MMA News: Ilia Topuria Calls Out Max Holloway Before Fighting Conor Mcgregor

Ilia Topuria is eager to defend his UFC featherweight title. When Max Holloway knocked out Justin Gaethje at UFC 300, fans anticipated his next move. Holloway quickly expressed interest in reclaiming his 145-pound title, despite moving up in weight. That same night, Topuria agreed that fighting Holloway was the right move.

Since UFC 300, Topuria and Holloway have exchanged some interesting words. However, “El Matador” remains firm on facing Holloway next. If Holloway doesn’t fight him, Topuria will move on. Ideally, he targets a return in September. If not against Holloway, he wants to fight by the end of the year and start 2025 in Spain.

After a predicted big win in his first title defense, Topuria aims for a “Notorious” matchup. “I hope to defend the belt against Max Holloway, then fight Conor McGregor,” Topuria told Sportskeeda. “If McGregor wins his upcoming fight, that’s the fight I want. It will be the biggest fight in MMA history. We’ll have 80,000 people watching in the arena.”

Topuria is confident in his power. “There is always a first time for a knockout. This will be the first time someone knocks out Holloway, and I’ll do it. When we start exchanging punches, I’ll take his lights out. I know one clear punch will put him to sleep.”

Earlier this week, McGregor took some surprising shots at Topuria. He called Topuria an Artem Lobov-esque “little r*tard” and a “non-champion.” McGregor stated that Holloway would “pick apart” Topuria in a potential fight.

“Maybe I could fight Makhachev in the future,” Topuria said. “Right now, I’m focused on fighting Max Holloway and Conor McGregor. If Makhachev continues to defend his belt and grows in prominence, maybe we can fight one day. But for now, he’s not on my list.”