Ilia Topuria is focused on his long-term goal of becoming the UFC’s first three-division champion, while expressing readiness to face any opponent, including lightweight champion Islam Makhachev and former featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski, as he prepares for his title defense against Max Holloway.
Ilia Topuria isn’t shy about his ambitions. He dreams of becoming the UFC’s first three-division champion. Featherweight? Check. Next up: lightweight and welterweight.
Approaching his first title defense at 145 pounds, Topuria is ready for whatever comes next. Whether it’s Islam Makhachev or a rematch with Alexander Volkanovski, he’s game. “I used to predict more,” he mused at UFC 308 media day, “but now I just want to show up and fight.”
Topuria’s focus is clear: do the job and let the UFC decide. Move up to lightweight? Sure, he’d love to be the first to submit Islam. Defend the featherweight belt? He’s cool with that too.
Every champ faces new challenges. For Topuria, beating Holloway in Abu Dhabi could elevate him to legendary status. After all, he already knocked out Volkanovski in February.
Adding Holloway to his resume would be huge. Despite bold predictions, Topuria respects Holloway’s skills and achievements as a 12-year veteran. “He’s a great fighter,” Topuria said, acknowledging Holloway’s influence on his own career.
Holloway once called Topuria a fan. Fair enough—Topuria admits it. But now he wants to set an example for future generations.
In their matchup, Topuria aims to be the first to finish Holloway with strikes. It’s a testament to his power against Holloway’s famed durability. Holloway claims to be the best boxer in the UFC; Topuria sees that as a challenge.
“He’s a good striker,” Topuria conceded, but questioned Holloway’s self-proclaimed boxing supremacy. Experience and patience make Holloway formidable, yet Topuria promises unmatched pressure come fight night.
Responding to Holloway’s critique of his signature move, Topuria shrugged it off. Permission? Not needed. He plans to start the fight by pointing to the ground.
“If he stands with me in the middle, great,” Topuria declared. If not, he’ll find another way to finish him—head off and all.