Ilia Topuria in victory over Max Holloway No. UFC 308. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram UFC Europe
In a farewell fight at featherweight (up to 65,7 kg), Ilia Topuria brutally knocked out Max Holloway when he defended his belt for the first time. In a defining moment of the fight, the Spanish-Georgian made good on his promise and summoned his rival to the center of the octagon in the opening seconds of the fight to exchange blows at close range. The action attributed to the Hawaiian ultimately fell through after 'El Matador' refused to grant his request.
Keeping an eye on his former opponent's trajectory, Topuria asserts that the position of toughest athlete and ownership of the BMF belt do not belong to Holloway, but to himself. Without hesitation, the current lightweight champion (up to 70,3 kg) questioned why the Hawaiian has status in the organization even after suffering a tough defeat in UFC 308.
See too
“That’s not my problem. I just knocked you out. How can you still be BMF if I knocked you out? I aimed for the ground in the first 10 seconds. You ran away. So I grabbed you anyway and put you to sleep. And you’re still BMF? How is that?” Topuria asked the Nelk Boys.
The first fighter to successfully defend the BMF belt, Holloway makes no secret of his desire to seek revenge on Topuria in the future. This time at lightweight, the American appears more prepared to face his latest tormentor. After a victory over Dustin poirier, the 'Blessed One' opened the doors to Charles of the Bronx and Ilia next.
On the other hand, Topuria would only be able to hold the BMF belt if he granted Holloway a rematch in his next fights. With his rival confirming that the title will be at stake along with the lightweight title, the Spaniard will need to decide what steps to take in the organization this year.
You need login To comment.