Max Holloway next fight: Ilia Topuria confirms “Blessed” is in line for UFC title shot
Max Holloway looks set to take on Ilia Topuria when he next enters the Octagon after an incredible showing at UFC 300.
Holloway pulled off one of the greatest wins in MMA history when he knocked out Justin Gaethje in the final second of their five-round lightweight bout on April 13.
He entered the fight as the No. 14 pound-for-pound fighter in the UFC and is due for a rise in the rankings. The former unified featherweight champion and No. 2 ranked fighter in the division is in line for another challenge against Ilia Topuria, the current title holder and No. 5 ranked fighter in the promotion.
Contents
- Who is Max Holloway fighting next?
- When is Max Holloway’s next fight scheduled for?
- What is Holloway’s MMA record?
Who is Max Holloway fighting next?
Max Holloway’s next opponent will likely be Ilia Topuria.
Holloway called out Topuria in his post-fight interview after knocking out Gaethje, and said: “I’m him. I’m him, guys. There’s a matador, he’s running away from a bull at 145. Tell him sign the damn contract. Spain, Hawaii, wherever.”
After the action, Topuria spoke with ESPN and congratulated the Hawaii native for his big win. But the Spaniard warned the new “Baddest Motherf*****” title holder to get back in line, saying, “It’s clear for me, my next fight is against Max Holloway.
“Congratulations and enjoy tonight, but after fighting me he will have to go back in the line.”
The UFC featherweight champion poses a major threat to Holloway. He owns a 15-0 record as one of the few undefeated fighters within the promotion
When is Max Holloway’s next fight scheduled for?
A fight date for Holloway vs Topuria has not been confirmed.
Topuria declared Holloway as his likely next opponent, but UFC president Dana White has yet to certify the bout officially.
White was not asked about the fight in the post-UFC 300 press conference but Holloway responded to Topuria’s comments by suggesting the champion still has some question marks to answer.
“That’s cool,” he shrugged. “What do you want me to say? What if he goes to the back of line? Ilia can talk but we got a lot of questions. And if that fight gets booked we’re going to get answers.”
What is Max Holloway’s MMA record?
Holloway is 26-7 in his mixed martial arts career.
The orthodox striker has 12 knockouts, two submissions and 12 wins by way of decision to his name.
The 5-foot-11 fighter started his MMA career at 4-0 but then lost his UFC debut to Dustin Poirier by way of a triangle armbar submission at UFC 143.
After picking up his third loss to Conor McGregor in his tenth fight, Holloway went on a 13-fight winning streak that lasted nearly five years, and saw him become UFC featherweight champion.
He lost the belt to Alexander Volkanovski in 2019 and has since lost twice to the Australian in his attempts to retain the world title.
His knockout against Gaethje marked his third consecutive win and now a third tilt at retaining his featherweight world title against Topuria, who dethroned Volkanovski at UFC 298, is likely to be his reward.