“I didn’t see any technique…” Ilia Topuria dismisses Max Holloway’s iconic UFC 300 performance as ‘bar fight’

Ilia Topuria was not impressed by Max Holloway's BMF title fight against Justin Gaethje; compares it to a bar fight

“I didn’t see any technique…” Ilia Topuria dismisses Max Holloway’s iconic UFC 300 performance as ‘bar fight’

BMF champion Max Holloway is a target for Ilia Topuria (via Imago/X)

Ilia Topuria was less than impressed by Max Holloway’s electrifying KO of Justin Gaethje. The Spanish UFC champion critically analyzed the fight and claimed Holloway’s performance was nothing special. Moreover, Topuria felt that he would be the one to knock out the Hawaiian fighter in MMA.

Ariel Helwani recently interviewed Ilia Topuria to get insight into the fallout of UFC 300. He asked Topuria about his views on the BMF title fight. Topuria seemed less than impressed with the fight. Further, he compared the lack of technique and head movement to a bar fight.

I didn’t see any technique, I didn’t see any strategy, I didn’t see any power... I didn’t see any head movement. I just see a, like a bar fight.
Ilia Topuria via The MMA Hour
YouTube video

The Spaniard gave Max Holloway his roses for winning against Gaethje. As a fan, he acknowledged the appeal of the last 10 seconds of the fight. But as a fighter, he didn’t approve. Topuria seemed to suggest that while Holloway’s finish was undoubtedly spectacular, it lacked the technical sophistication that Topuria brings.

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Topuria believed he was operating on a different level. He was extremely confident in his abilities. The Spanish champion recently wowed the crowd with a stunning KO of Alexander Volkanovski. It now seems that the fight between Topuria and Holloway is inevitable. 

Ilia Topuria wants to fight Max Holloway only on one condition

Ilia Topuria feels confident after his dominant win dethroning the longtime UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski. As such, he’s setting some bold conditions for a potential title fight with Max Holloway. Holloway is reeling off a stunning knockout of Justin Gaethje at UFC 300. 

Ilia Topuria agrees to fight Max Holloway on one condition
Ilia Topuria agrees to fight Max Holloway on one condition (via X/ Sports Illustrated)

‘El Matador’ made it clear he would want to fight Holloway next. But Topuria wasn’t done with just that statement. The confident Spaniard went on to say he’d only agree to face Holloway if the BMF title was on the line as well.

He's got that BMF belt so I'm excited to add that belt to my legacy too. Without the BMF belt, I don't want him at all.
Ilia Topuria via The MMA Hour

Topuria is essentially saying he’ll only give Holloway a shot at the featherweight title if ‘Blessed’ puts his BMF strap up for grabs as well. That’s a bold move from Topuria but the UFC might not allow it. He also stated that he would rather rematch Volkanovksi if the BMF title was not on the line. These are complicated matters and only the UFC can give clarification on if an Undisputed champion vs. BMF champion would work or not for both titles on the line.

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