Ilia Topuria’s Plan in ‘Playing’ Max Holloway for ‘Best Build-Up’ Exposed by UFC Insider
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Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway | Credits: Imago
Newly crowned UFC BMF champion, Max Holloway solidified his position as one of the deadliest featherweight in the world after taking down Justin Gaethje in a thrilling five-round fight. His KO of Gaethje has become the talk of the town and is a strong contender for one of the best knockouts of 2024. However, Holloway’s moment of triumph was quickly overshadowed by a potential future challenge.
Holloway impressed everyone with his powerhouse performance at UFC 300, but it seems Ilia Topuria disagrees. Wasting no time, ‘Blessed’ called out the champion right after the event, in Topuria’s presence, setting the stage for a potential feud. Things have been escalating since then and one insider has now shed light on Topuria’s approach to the developing rivalry.
UFC insider exposes Ilia Topuria’s strategy
Ever since BMF champion Max Holloway called out UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria, fans have been buzzing about a potential fight between them. They’ve been verbally sparring and taking shots at each other in interviews and on social media. Topuria even stated that Holloway hasn’t done enough to deserve a title shot.
In the latest episode of “Beyond the Fight” UFC veteran Chael Sonnen gave his insight into the developing beef between Topuria and Holloway. He said, “The reason it’s so wonderful is, as bad as Topuria needs Max, he’s not playing it like that. He understands the art of the deal, to go over the plan, the only way he should, which is, ‘I am King, and I am King because I have the belt. You’re saying my name, hoping you did enough to get to me. I don’t say your name. I don’t care about you. If I beat you, I keep the belt. But guess what, kid? If I don’t ever fight you, I keep the belt.”
‘The Bad Guy’ later said that these were just publicity stunts that, while unintentionally created, have the potential to become the best fight the UFC has ever seen. Holloway has not lost to anyone not named Alexander Volkanovski in the last few years. Topuria, meanwhile, is yet to taste defeat in MMA.
Both fighters know what they will be putting on the line against each other, and is not giving an inch to the other before the fight. Now, Topuria has added more demands to his list and made a solemn vow for the Holloway fight.
Topuria’s plans for Max Holloway
Ilia Topuria recently gave the green light to a bout against the newly crowned BMF holder, Max Holloway. He vowed to defeat him decisively, a feat no other fight has accomplished so far. Topuria’s appearance at UFC 300 quickly led to friction between the BMF champion and the featherweight champion.
Ilia Topuria talks Max Holloway: Without the BMF belt I don’t want him at all. #TheMMAHour pic.twitter.com/Xp2EnxGpyO
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) April 17, 2024
During his appearance on ‘The MMA Hour,’ Topuria addressed Max Holloway regarding their potential bout. He stated, “Yeah, of course [the ‘BMF’ title would have to be on the line]. Without the ‘BMF’ belt, I don’t want him at all.”
Topuria further also added that he prioritizes a rematch with Alexander Volkanovski over Holloway, considering Volkanovski the more deserving contender. ‘El Matador’ statement suggests a preference for the rematch, although neither fight is scheduled for the near future.
Holloway fired back, saying it was not very ‘BMF’ of Topuria to stipulate conditions to fight. A ‘BMF’ should always be ready to throw down, as per the current BMF champion. As this rivalry develops, the UFC gets another exciting option added to their matchmaking plans. Who would you prefer to see Ilia Topuria fight first: Max Holloway or Alexander Volkanovski?
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Edited by:
Yeswanth Praveen