Unexpectedly, UFC featherweight sensation Ilia Topuria has already made plans to face former champion Max Holloway in the future, apparently ignoring his impending fight against the current champion, Alexander Volkanovski, at UFC 298.
Topuria, also referred to as “El Matador,” bravely revealed his future plans on November 21 while making an appearance on the “Overdogs Podcast.” In spite of the daunting task of taking on Volkanovski on February 17, 2024, Topuria declared his intentions with confidence:
“I’m gonna beat [Volkanovski] now on February 17, and then I’m gonna fight with Max Holloway here in Spain.”
In addition to representing a successful title defense, Topuria’s vision would mark history as the UFC would host its first-ever event in Spain.
The youthful phenomenon’s seeming assurance and visionary remarks have sparked conversations among boxing fans. But such audacious planning begs the question of what might be in store for Holloway and Topuria.
If Topuria beats Volkanovski, there are a number of possible outcomes from a matchup with Holloway. Notably, it suggests that Holloway would have to wait until April or May 2024 at the latest to get his chance to defend the featherweight title. As an alternative, Holloway may consider the possibility of winning a non-title bout prior to the proposed deadline.
Since Holloway isn’t scheduled for any fights anytime soon, fans are left to wonder what his next move will be. Since there aren’t many obvious contenders in the featherweight class, Holloway could be able to stay at 145 pounds by moving to the lightweight class.
Topuria’s ambition and self-assurance are commendable, but the unpredictable nature of mixed martial arts (MMA) lends an air of uncertainty to the sport. It might be dangerous for Topuria to ignore a strong opponent like Alexander Volkanovski, who has a strong record and is renowned for his tenacity inside the Octagon.
The plot of UFC 298—a young fighter hoping to challenge the current champion in the future and face a seasoned veteran—is fueling fans’ excitement. Fans of the sport are left to speculate as to whether Volkanovski will foil Topuria’s audacious plans or if the rising star’s audacious predictions will come true.
An additional layer of intrigue and drama is added to the unfolding story of the UFC’s featherweight division by the subplot of a potential Topuria vs. Holloway matchup, which the MMA world is eagerly anticipating. Whether or not Topuria’s confidence is warranted remains to be seen, or perhaps the current champion will prove to be a roadblock in the way of future goals.
