Former champion puts rivalry aside and offers support to Ilia Topuria: 'I hope everything goes well'

Max Holloway shows solidarity after the lightweight champion announces a career break due to personal issues.

Topuria vs. Max Holloway UFC 308 - Photo Reproduction Instagram UFC Europe 2

Ilia Topuria in victory over Max Holloway No. UFC 308. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram UFC Europe

Max Holloway He put the rivalry aside and publicly supported... Ilia TopuriaThe UFC lightweight champion surprised fans by announce He announced on social media that he would be taking a break from his career for personal reasons, stirring up the MMA community and even touching on his Hawaiian rival.

In a post on X, Holloway expressed solidarity, stating that he regretted the situation faced by the Spaniard. The Hawaiian emphasized that, if the circulating information is correct, he deeply understands the challenge of balancing life in the octagon with protecting and caring for children, and wished that everything would be resolved in the best possible way.

See too

Ilia Topuria announced his move up to UFC lightweight. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @iliatopuria

"I'm so sorry about that, champion. If it's what I'm hearing, I know very well what it's like to fight and protect your children at the same time. I hope everything goes well," he wrote. Max Holloway.

Is Ilia Topuria experiencing a crisis outside the octagon?

Ilia Topuria is the UFC featherweight champion. Photo: Instagram / UFC

Ilia Topuria He is the UFC lightweight champion. Photo: Instagram / UFC

PUBLICITY:

Although there has been no official announcement yet, strong rumors indicate that Ilia Topuria He and his wife, Giorgina Uzcategui, may have separated. Speculation gained traction after clear signs of estrangement between the two, especially on social media.

One of the most talked-about signs is the removal of photos of the couple on Instagram. Topuria kept only one image alongside his ex-wife and son, while Giorgina deleted all posts in which she appeared with the UFC champion. These moves reinforced rumors that the relationship had come to an end.

PUBLICITY:

Rivalry between Max Holloway and Ilia Topuria in the UFC

Featherweight champion Ilia Topuria was one of the winners of the UFC 308 bonus / Reproduction Instagram UFC

Ilia Topuria is the only fighter to knock out Max Holloway. Photo: Reproduction/ Instagram UFC

After knocking out Alexander Volkanovsky and win the featherweight title (up to 65,7kg), Ilia Topuria He was selected to defend the title in UFC 308, in Abu Dhabi, in October 2024. The challenger on that occasion was Max Holloway, who ended up being knocked out for the first time in his career after three intense rounds.

PUBLICITY:

After defeating Holloway, Topuria moved on, relinquished the Feather Throne, and received the chance to face... Charles of the Bronx for the lightweight belt (up to 70,3kg). Still in the first round, the Spaniard landed precise blows and won his second UFC title.

Holloway, for his part, continued his pursuit of a rematch against Topuria and also decided to move up a weight class. In his lightweight debut, the Hawaiian defeated... Dustin poirier by unanimous decision and now must face Charles of the Bronx while waiting for a new opportunity to face the Spanish champion.

Read More about: , ,