The ͏featherwei͏g͏͏h͏t ͏tit͏le is on the li͏ne as Ilia T͏opuria prepares to face͏ former͏ champi͏on Max Hollo͏way in͏ a title de͏fen͏se. Fol͏lowing his victo͏ry against Al͏exan͏der ͏Volkanovski a͏t UF͏C 298, Topur͏ia e͏mpha͏s͏iz͏͏e͏d͏ that he wou͏ld not͏ give Holloway a chance ͏to r͏etain the t͏i͏tle, co͏n͏siderin͏g that Ho͏llo͏wa͏y’s ͏e͏ra ha͏d͏ come͏ to͏ a͏n͏ e͏nd. However͏, ͏af͏ter Ho͏l͏loway͏ kn͏ocked out Gaeth͏j͏e͏ at UFC͏ 300, Topuria͏͏ ͏felt compelled to ͏reco͏nsi͏d͏er ͏his stance u͏nd͏er͏ p͏re͏s͏sure͏.

Regar͏dl͏es͏s, we ͏a͏re just moments away from witnessin͏g their super f͏i͏ght.͏ As the conclusio͏n of͏ the match draws near, a question has been on the͏ minds ͏of the f͏ans: What’s next for t͏he Spanish͏-Georgian ͏fighter, wheth͏e͏r he emerges victorio͏us or faces de͏f͏e͏at? Worry not as we may have an answer to this question. So, without any further ado, let us get started.

Ilia Topuria’s next title defense- What if ‘El Matador’ wins at UFC 308?

At the UFC 308, weigh-in ceremony, Ilia Topuria roared that he would finish, Max Holloway in the very first round to defend his title successfully, “I’m taking him out in the first round.” Responding to this, ‘Blessed’ stated that he should wait before making such claims, “We’ll find out Saturday night.” Now let us assume that Ilia Topuria keeps his promise and finishes Max Holloway to successfully defend his title. So, what’s next for him?

He has way too many opponents if he gets past Max Holloway today. First and foremost, the current featherweight champion would have to honor his promise to give Alexander Volkanovski another chance to retain his title. This can happen sooner or later in the promotion but let us assume that ‘Volk’ is not ready to take the fight, then what? Well, let me remind you that Deigo Lopes is the backup fighter for the UFC 308 main event and he is one of the closest prospects to clinch the title at the hands of Ilia Topuria.

In addition to Lopes, the winner of Aljamain Sterling vs. Movsar Evloev might get a chance to fight for the title considering the fact that both of the fighters have clearly established themselves under UFC. If none of these fights happen, then we could witness an ultra-super fight between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria as both the fighters have been calling each other out for quite some time now.

However, the fight idea has been quashed by UFC CEO Dana White as he believes Topuria had to fight much more before moving up a weight class. Well, now that we know what’s going to happen if ‘El-Matador’ clinches the victory, let us understand what would happen if he loses.

If Ilia Topuria loses, what’s next for him?

Being the ‘BMF’ title holder, Max Holloway has what it takes to become a featherweight champion once again even after his triumphant career. ‘Blessed’ is determined to make it big in the lightweight division and a victory against Ilia Topuria would open tons of doors for him. Assuming Max Holloway’s emerge victorious against Ilia Topuria, it would be a bit harsh for ‘El Matador.’

Also, check out this ES Exclusive interview with none other than Jorge Masvidal.

A loss against Holloway would result in an immediate rematch for Ilia Topuria, as Dana White recognizes the star power potential that Topuria possesses. This immediate rematch would allow Topuria to reclaim the belt and become a two-time champion. Well, what if Topuria doesn’t get an immediate rematch? Then what?

Then ‘El Matador’ will have to face against Alexander Volkanvoski to become the number one contender for the title. Winning the battle would open way too many opportunities for the Spanish-Georgian fighter but losing it would drag him down to the roots. Regardless, what’s your opinion on the hubbub? State your thoughts in the comments below.