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In a recent interview on "The MMA Hour" with Ariel Helwani, UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria dropped a bombshell regarding his potential showdown with Max Holloway.
Topuria, who recently claimed the belt from Alexander Volkanovski, insists that he will only accept a fight with Holloway if the BMF title is also on the line.
After Holloway's stunning knockout victory over Justin Gaethje at UFC 300, both fighters expressed interest in facing each other. However, Topuria's condition adds a unique twist to the narrative, emphasizing the significance of the BMF belt in their potential matchup.
"Without the BMF belt, I don’t want him at all," Topuria stated firmly during the interview. "If not, I’m going to fight with Volkanovski, who deserves the rematch more than him."
Topuria's stance reflects his confidence as the reigning champion and his desire for a fight that carries significant weight in the MMA world. He believes that Holloway's possession of the BMF belt adds prestige to their potential clash and ensures a high-stakes showdown.
Despite Holloway's impressive UFC career, including a record for most fights without being knocked down, Topuria remains undaunted. He asserts that he is superior in all aspects of the fight game and is prepared to back up his words when they eventually meet inside the octagon.
While the timing of the fight is yet to be finalized, Topuria hinted at a potential matchup at UFC 306 in Las Vegas, further adding to the anticipation surrounding this potential bout.