Ilia Topuria Continues ‘BMF’ Taunts Despite Max Holloway’s UFC 318 Win

Ilia Topuria trolled Max Holloway after his UFC 318 title defense of the "BMF" strap, which could potentially set up their rematch.

Ilia Topuria Continues ‘BMF’ Taunts Despite Max Holloway’s UFC 318 Win

'Real' BMF Ilia Topuria trolls Max Holloway for one-upping him with knockout loss (Source: X)

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Max Holloway etched his name in UFC history at UFC 318 by becoming the first fighter to successfully defend the BMF strap. The five-round BMF battle was contested at 155-pounds this time again, and marked Dustin Poirier’s swan song. With Holloway taking the win home, he now has the attention of divisional champ Ilia Topuria.

Before Ilia Topuria knocked out Holloway, he paraded around a replica BMF strap. Unfortunately for him, though, the silver wasn’t at stake during their main event encounter at UFC 308. ‘Blessed’ was making yet another bid at the UFC 145-pound undisputed title, and Topuria wasn’t keen on being the only fighter putting it up on stake.

‘El Matador’ is now the 10th two-weight champ after his sensational victory at UFC 317. Despite doubts about success at lightweight, he punctuated a first-round KO of Charles Oliveira and made it look easy. After UFC 318, ‘Blessed’ admitted the Spaniard has a chance at the BMF again, but dubbed it stupid to parade around with a BMF of his own:

For sure.. for sure [he’s earned] …shot, …at the end of the day, when the UFC didn’t put it up, it is what it is. [but] It just makes no sense what he’s doing, walking around with it and whatever. Did you see Islam walking around with a champion belt after beating Volkanovski two times? The belt wasn’t on the line, get over it…

Max Holloway during UFC 318 PPV post-fight backstage fighter interviews

The BMF isn’t widely considered on par with the undisputed title or contending for it. Many considered that if Poirier retired with it, it’d be the last BMF title defense in history. However, some still yearn for it, as it represents the visceral nature of fights and fighters who usually contend for it.

Max Holloway himself won it with a fifth-round buzzer-beater overhand KO at the milestone UFC 300 PPV. After this, the Hawaiian fighter had a cut down to 145lbs for another try at gold. Ilia Topuria became the first and only man to be on the ‘supplying’ end of a harrowing KO to Holloway. Hence, by the rules of combat, he already taunts himself as the real “BMF”.

Both have made their move permanent up to 155lbs with another win apiece over top names. No.2 ranked lightweight Arman Tsarukyan or former interim champion Justin Gaethje are widely considered to be Topuria’s next defense.

But now that ‘El Matador’ has taken the time out to taunt Holloway, matters are shifting. There is definite interest in Topuria vs. Holloway rematch as the Hawaiian doesn’t have to cut brutally cut weight down to 145-pounds anymore. After Holloway’s win in Louisiana, UFC CEO Dana White pitched in on what could be in store for the fighter.

Dana White drops teases on Max Holloway vs. Ilia Topuria 2

Post-fight, the former featherweight champion called for a shot at the 155-pound title. Max Holloway kept the sentiments brief and mostly about Poirier retiring. The fighter said he knew a lot of others would now come hunting for the BMF belt — and touted a “your move” to the UFC execs to set it up.

Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway 2 could actually be on the cards
Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway 2 could actually be on the cards (Source: X)

However, he veered to the fact that he has now rebounded from his UFC 308 knockout loss to Ilia Topuria. The Hawaiian is now competing at lightweight limits and said he “has history” with the champ. Topuria’s inclinations of cockily inserting himself into the equation, all but write the excerpt itself. Many also believe execs and the media crew should have given a bigger push for a BMF challenge in Topuria’s path.

Soon after the PPV card concluded in the “Big Easy,” Dana White was asked if Max Holloway now warrants a chance at a rematch. Subsequently, if this time, a Holloway vs. Topuria scrap can have BMF implications.

I, I think he’s in a great [general] position right now, …He just defended that BMF title. He’s ranked #4 in the world [at lightweight] now…[So] Anything is possible for Max right now.

Dana White during UFC 318 PPV post-fight backstage fighter interviews

Many pundits and fans are also already asking for such a PPV title booking. During UFC 318 PPV pre-fight guest Q&As, Gaethje said he’s hoping for a MSG top spot to challenge Topuria. Tsarukyan and even long-time rival Paddy Pimblett are waiting to bank in on their chance. Only time will tell where both fighters go from here.

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