Max Holloway, a UFC fighter, has criticized Ilia Topuria‘s demand to fight for the “BMF” title, stating that it goes against the spirit of the title, and while Holloway is open to fighting Topuria, he is also considering other potential fights.
Max Holloway, the epitome of UFC’s “BMF” title, made a bold move at UFC 300. He dared Justin Gaethje to a face-off in the octagon’s center. The showdown lasted until the final horn.
With a sure win just 10 seconds away, Holloway took a gamble. He traded blows with Gaethje, leading to one of UFC’s greatest knockouts. The Hawaiian knocked out the former interim lightweight champion with just one second to spare.
Holloway’s risk-taking embodies the “baddest motherf*****” spirit. But he doesn’t see the same fire in Ilia Topuria.
On The MMA Hour, Topuria stated his interest in facing Holloway. But only if the “BMF” title was at stake. Otherwise, he’s not interested. Holloway’s response? Maybe Topuria isn’t ready for the “BMF” title. After all, such demands don’t fit the “BMF” mindset.
“That’s not very ‘BMF’,” Holloway told Jim Rome. A true “BMF” wouldn’t make such conditions. They’d fight anyone, anytime, anywhere. Topuria’s attitude doesn’t sound very “BMF” to him.
Holloway is clear. He’ll fight whoever UFC throws at him. But a showdown with Topuria is on his wish-list.
After booking the Gaethje fight, Holloway expressed his desire to reclaim the featherweight title. He held this title through three defenses from 2017-19.
Topuria’s victory over Volkanovski made Holloway’s path to the title easier. He had lost to Volkanovski three times before. But Holloway doesn’t mind facing Topuria and then Volkanovski again. That’s what a real “BMF” would do.
“My main goal was always fighting Ilia,” Holloway said. He praised Gaethje, calling him a legend. But his mind was always set on fighting Ilia, no matter the outcome.
Holloway finds Topuria questionable. Every other 145 contender had to fight him. But Topuria eluded him and got the title shot.
Holloway commended Topuria for his knockout victory over Volkanovski at UFC 298. But he also sent a history lesson to Topuria. He reminded him of their different résumés.
Topuria beat Volkanovski, someone Holloway couldn’t figure out. But Holloway reminded Topuria that he had title defenses at his age. Topuria still has some catching up to do.
While Topuria is Holloway’s top choice, he’s open to other fights. He could face Conor McGregor or Michael Chandler at a higher weight class. Or, he could pursue a lightweight title shot with Islam Makhachev.
Holloway is content with whatever happens. That’s the spirit of a true “BMF” champion.
“There’s options,” Holloway said. He’s ranked at a higher weight class. He has his weight class at 145. Conor’s coming back. Ilia’s there. Islam’s there. Dustin’s fighting Islam. It’s going to be fun.
Holloway wants the 145 title back. But he’s open to whatever UFC decides. He’s all ears.