Ilia Topuria hasn’t stepped into the octagon since defeating Alexander Volkanovski via second-round KO to win the UFC Featherweight Championship at UFC 298.
In an interview with ESPN, Topuria (15-0) was asked about why UFC hasn’t announced his next fight yet. UFC Featherweight Champion mentioned No. 2 ranked contender Max Holloway (26-7) and said Halloway is dealing with numerous issues.
“It’s not because of me. They called me to say that Max Holloway was having family issues, that he was having trouble cutting weight, and that he wanted to fight in a higher weight class. Honestly, I don’t know. I have no idea.”
Ilia Topuria
BMF Champion responded to Topuria’s ESPN clip on X as follows:
“Guy is just making things up at this stage,
Max Holloway
I been ready.”
UFC Featherweight Champion then told Holloway to choose a date.
“Choose a date, choose the way you want me to beat you, and write it here. I am ready to turn off your lights whenever and wherever. Call Dana”
Ilia Topuria
Holloway responded to Topuria by stating, “Been talking to them brother. You need to check your numbers. Since you said it the Sphere by toe hold. See you soon.”
UFC 306 is scheduled to take place on Saturday, September 14th at the Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Ilia Topuria provides an update on his next title fight 👀
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) July 3, 2024
(via @marca) pic.twitter.com/8O5XSnHu9k
Guy is just making things up at this stage,
— Max Holloway (@BlessedMMA) July 3, 2024
I been ready. https://t.co/pcEM4Vi98i pic.twitter.com/GkptG2kmsX
Choose a date, choose the way you want me to beat you, and write it here. I am ready to turn off your lights whenever and wherever. Call Dana https://t.co/v1jjHkQsJ0
— Ilia Topuria (@Topuriailia) July 4, 2024
Been talking to them brother. You need to check your numbers. Since you said it the Sphere by toe hold. See you soon. https://t.co/fE5YG3lANx pic.twitter.com/CXqyiHjixG
— Max Holloway (@BlessedMMA) July 4, 2024