Earlier this year, Spanish sensation Ilia Topuria shocked everyone by winning the featherweight title from Alexander Volkanovski. Since then, Topuria has been traveling the world, especially Spain, and enjoying his time off. But his vacation is over, and he is now preparing to face BMF title holder Max Holloway at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi.

Besides his title fight against Holloway, Topuria is also interested in facing Diego Lopes, who is set to fight Brian Ortega at the upcoming UFC event dubbed “Riyadh Season Noche” for a title eliminator, as he mentioned in a recent interview.

Ilia Topuria backs Diego Lopes

Recently, Ilia Topuria sat down with Mike Bohn from MMA Junkie and was asked about his potential next opponent. It is widely expected that the winner of the fight between Holloway and Topuria will face Alexander Volkanovski. However, Topuria mentioned another rising UFC featherweight contender, Diego Lopes, who was praised for his epic performance at UFC 303. Topuria said, “I love the attitude that Diego Lopes brings. He’s always respectful with me, so I like the attitude that he has with me. If he wins, maybe he’s the next one in the line.”

After his win against Volkanovski in their second-round fight earlier this year in February, Topuria became a superstar in the UFC. Aiming to achieve household name status like Conor McGregor, Topuria is looking for opportunities to fight the best contender and does not hesitate to take on anyone. Topuria further added, “To be honest, I don’t know, Maybe it’s Volkanovski. Maybe it’s Diego Lopes. Maybe it’s Brian Ortega. But I don’t care.”

As Ilia Topuria monitors the Ortega-Lopes fight, Sean O’Malley is also keeping an eye on the UFC 308 headline clash. In a recent interview, he shared his thoughts on who might emerge victorious when these two iconic stars face off against each other.

Sean O’Malley backs Max Holloway

Reigning UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley recently surprised many by backing Max Holloway in the upcoming title bout against Ilia Topuria, leaving some wondering why. O’Malley clarified his stance in a recent interview on the ‘Believe You Me’ podcast with Michael Bisping and Anthony Smith.”

He explained that after defending his title at UFC 306 against Merab Dvalishvili, which is scheduled around Mexican Independence Day week, he intends to move up the featherweight division to challenge Holloway for the BMF title. O’Malley said, “I saw Ilia say the BMF title wasn’t on the line,” said Sean O’Malley. Max goes out there, wins forty-five, BMF champ. I move up, I beat Max, I’m the BMF, thirty-five, forty-five.”

What are your thoughts on Ilia Topuria’s ambition? Do you think Dana White will listen and make it happen? Who would you like to see Topuria face if he defends his featherweight title, Volkanovski or Lopes? Drop your comments below.