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Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway! A fight of skills and strength. Topuria is the featherweight champion while on the other hand, Holloway is the BMF belt holder. Their fight would be phenomenal but the question is when is it going to happen? There have been rumors that Dana White might put them in the UFC Sphere, however, according to Ariel Helwani, the UFC has different plans for these hotshots.

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The renowned journalist believes that the fight has already been booked but the promotion is not revealing it as of now. Well, when is the fight then? It’s obviously not at the UFC Sphere as per Helwani. The reporter in his latest take explains the exact date for their clash.

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Is Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway happening soon?

Ilia Topuria clinched the featherweight title when he knocked out Alexander Volkanovski in the second round at UFC 298. After clinching the title, ‘El Matador’ stated that he would not give Holloway a chance at the title because he is old but things changed pretty quickly at UFC 300 when Holloway stunned the entire world and knocked out Justin Gaethje in a spectacular buzzer-beater to clinch the ‘BMF’ title.

Holloway challenged Topuria after the victory and soon after, ‘El Matador’ also agreed to clash against him. Dana White was fairly happy that two of his biggest stars were up for a fight but now he had the challenge of scheduling a fight for them. Well, initially, the MMA community thought that White would hold their fight at the Sphere but seems like Ariel Helwani has some different plans.

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Helwani in his latest take has given the exact event in which Max Holloway and Ilia Topuria are going to fight. In the recent MMA Hour podcast, the journalist emphasized that their clash would most likely happen in Utah later this year, “There’s going to be a great title fight in Utah later this year. How lucky is Utah, getting PFL on Friday and then Topuria and Max.”

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Their clash would be Topuria’s first title defense. Well, if their clash happens in Utah then ‘El Matador’s dream to defend his title at Santiago Bernabeu, Barcelona would stay a dream. Regardless, Helwani is not the only one who thinks that their clash is already booked.

Brian Ortega believes that Topuria vs. Holloway will be happening soon

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#3rd ranked featherweight fighter Brian Ortega is certain that UFC has already booked their fight and just waiting for other events to materialize to announce it. ‘T-City’ is preparing to clash against Diego Lopes at UFC 303 and when he was asked about his opinion on Holloway vs. Topuria, he stated that it is a done deal.

“I think that fight’s already made. I heard that fight’s already made, let’s just say it that way, from what I heard. I could be wrong but I’m not usually wrong,” said Ortega. ‘T-City’ later added that he cannot give any prediction of their clash as both of them are equally matched but he further revealed that with both Holloway and Volkanovski ahead of him for the ‘145’ lbs belt, he would most likely jump to the lightweight division.

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With both Helwani and Ortega claiming that the fight will be announced soon, it is just a matter of time before Dana White comes forward to announce it. What’s your take on their clash? Will it be another glorious victory for Max Holloway or will it be a successful defense by Topuria? State your thoughts in the comments below.

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Suryakant Das

3,440 Articles

Suryakant Das is a senior writer who leads UFC live coverage at EssentiallySports, known for his broad expertise and standout professionalism in MMA journalism. Over two years in the field, he has become a key voice on real-time event updates, pre- and post-fight interviews, and analysis of viral moments from the Joe Rogan Experience. His dynamic reporting is backed by selection to the Journalistic Excellence Program, which hones advanced editorial skills and strategic coverage approaches for top talent. Suryakant’s career is defined by his ability to deliver both speed and depth. His versatile background spans sports journalism, content writing, and editorial roles, helping him navigate fast-paced live coverage and deliver meaningful stories with clarity and precision. Recognition from respected MMA figures such as Nina-Marie Daniele and Hall of Famer Michael Bisping further marks him as a trusted authority in the UFC community.

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Aazima Basharat

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