Max Holloway eyes Ilia Topuria rematch to avenge loss. [Image Source: REDD]
Max Holloway, the current BMF champion after defeating Justin Gaethje at UFC 300, is making it clear that his ultimate goal is to become a two-division UFC champion by capturing the undisputed lightweight title. He is particularly focused on avenging his prior loss to Ilia Topuria, underscoring a strong desire for a rematch in the lightweight division. Holloway’s ambition extends beyond holding the BMF belt, as he sets his sights on a legitimate UFC championship and a place among the sport’s legends.
Holloway’s Journey from Featherweight Champion to Lightweight Contender
Once the featherweight champion from 2017 to 2019, Max Holloway’s reign was ultimately ended by Alexander Volkanovski, who went on to defeat him twice more. Having faced setbacks at featherweight, Holloway has shifted his focus to the lightweight division, where he plans to fight for an official UFC title and join the ranks of fighters who have held belts in two weight classes. This move reflects his ongoing hunger to compete at the highest level rather than merely fighting to stay active in the sport.
Regarding his career motivation, Holloway explained,
“I’m going to be in the UFC as long as I’m in title contention or have a title. You know, once I get over that hill where I’m just fighting fights to just fight fights, I don’t want to do it. My name is always in title contention right now. And that’s what keeps me going.”
The Significance of the BMF Title Versus an Official UFC Championship
Although Holloway proudly holds the BMF title, he acknowledges that it does not carry the same weight or recognition as an undisputed UFC championship. While he appreciates the honor, his focus remains on the goal of securing a widely recognized title that cements his legacy. He stated,
Image of: Ilia Topuria
“I mean, the BMF title is cool, you know? I love it. It takes care of me. It does its job. But the undisputed title is the undisputed title, you know?”
He added,
“It is what it is, that’s cool. But I want an undisputed title.”
Holloway desires to join the exclusive group of fighters who have earned championship belts in multiple divisions. He said,
“I keep telling everybody I want to be [a double champion], there’s very few people that got to be two division champ and I want to put my name. I know people are saying, ‘Oh, but your BMF title!’ It is what it is. That’s cool, but I want an undisputed title. I want to put my name alongside those legends.”
Ilia Topuria Rematch as a Priority for Holloway
A central objective in Holloway’s lightweight campaign is securing a rematch with Ilia Topuria, who handed him his only loss in that weight category. Holloway has expressed a strong intent to reclaim his honor by defeating Topuria in their next encounter, potentially fought at lightweight. When asked about a possible matchup between Topuria and Gaethje, Holloway remarked,
“I’m not rooting for no one, may the best man win. But if I had my choice, I want to rematch Ilia100%. He did what he did, he’s the first man that did what he did to me, and no one else could. So I got to get that one back. You know me and Gaethje have history and I know Gaethje wants to get that one back. That would be a fun fight also. But hey, may the best man win and we will see.”
Holloway acknowledged the uniqueness of Topuria’s victory over him, saying,
“He’s the first man to do what he did to me, and no one else could, so I’ve got to get that one back.”
Upcoming Bout and Future Implications for Holloway’s Career
Looking ahead, Max Holloway is scheduled to face Charles Oliveira at UFC 326. A victory in that fight could significantly boost Holloway’s standing in the lightweight division and position him for a title shot. The outcome will be pivotal for Holloway’s goal of becoming a two-division champion and settling his score with Topuria. His training remains intense and focused on competing at the highest level to achieve these objectives.
The Broader Impact of Holloway’s Ambitions
Holloway’s pursuit of the lightweight title and his desired rematch with Topuria is generating considerable interest, as it combines the stakes of championship glory with personal redemption. Success in these endeavors would not only elevate Holloway’s legacy but also reshape the competitive landscape of the lightweight division. As Holloway prepares for his upcoming bout and eyes the rematch, fans and analysts alike anticipate how these fights will influence the careers of all involved.
✨Max Holloway is still hungry to avange his loss to Ilia Topuria ✨👀🔥
“He’s the first man to do what he did to me, and no one else could, so I’ve got to get that one back.”
