Max Holloway Playfully Trolls Former UFC Rival. [Image via UFC]
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Max Holloway recently took a lighthearted jab at former rival Ilia Topuria. Holloway and Topuria locked horns in a featherweight title bout in 2024 at UFC 308, where Topuria became the first man to knock out “Blessed.”
In that bout, Topuria was defending his 145-pound strap, and Holloway’s BMF title was not on the line. Despite that, “El Matador,” who considers him the real BMF after he beat Holloway, has often flaunted a replica of the BMF belt and, to date, carries it around.
Max Holloway grabbed the BMF championship after knocking out Justin Gaethje at UFC 300. Last year at UFC 318, he defended the belt against Dustin Poirier in a trilogy bout.
This weekend at UFC 326, he will make the second defense of the BMF championship against Charles Oliveira in a rematch.
Max Holloway has asked UFC fighters to stop butchering his iconic call to action. [Image via MMA Pros Pick]
Holloway plans to dismantle the Brazilian again and then march forward and run it back with Topuria, who is now the reigning UFC lightweight champion.
On media day, the former UFC featherweight champ and current BMF titleholder was asked if he plans to chase two-division glory, which would mean fighting for the lightweight belt, and whether he would consider dropping the BMF belt at that time.
Holloway said:
It would be cool to have two of them, but they’re making everybody have only one belt. So the one belt that I’m gonna drop is the BMF belt when we get the undisputed one.
“Blessed” has ‘an issue with the lightweight champ.’ This time, taking a sly dig at “El Matador,” Holloway added:
I’ve got 5–6 belts at home, so I don’t need to buy anything. I am not gonna spend my money on that.”
Max Holloway says he won’t buy a belt like Ilia Topuria once he drops the BMF belt for the undisputed title 🏆🚫
"It would be cool to have two of them, but they’re making everybody have only one belt. So the one belt that I’m gonna drop is the BMF belt when we get the undisputed… pic.twitter.com/6DtSRtqcw2
Ilia Topuria predicts Max Holloway vs. Charles Oliveira 2
The undefeated Ilia Topuria, who has shared the octagon with both Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira in his recent outings, is backing Holloway to beat the Brazilian at UFC 326.
During a sit-down with streamer Adin Ross, “El Matador” said:
I love Charles because of his personality. He’s such an amazing human being, but I think Max is taking it… But don’t ever count Charles out. He’s dangerous at any moment of the fight. He can just submit you at any time.”
Check out Ilia Topuria’s comments below:
Ilia Topuria pulled up on Adin Ross’ stream and gave his pick for the fight 👀
“I love Charles… but I think Max wins.”
Nothing but respect for Charles Oliveira — but Topuria is backing Max Holloway to get it done.
Subham is a writer and editor with experience spanning MMA, Health & Fitness, true crime, and pop culture. He has previously worked with Sportskeeda MMA, SK True Crime, and SK Pop, Movies, and Shows.
He currently covers the UFC for LowKickMMA and MMA Pros Picks.
