“When I was your age, I already had title defense…” Max Holloway gives Ilia Topuria reality check in response to trash talk

Max Holloway responds to Ilia Topuria's doubts and demands.

“When I was your age, I already had title defense…” Max Holloway gives Ilia Topuria reality check in response to trash talk

Max Holloway is skeptical of Ilia Topuria (Image via: IMAGO)

Max Holloway upset the odds at UFC 300 with an iconic performance. With the brutal knockout of Justin Gaethje, Holloway positioned himself well in title contention in two weight divisions. Nonetheless, the featherweight title fight against Ilia Topuria is the priority over a lightweight title fight against Islam Makhachev.

Holloway recently appeared on the Jim Rome Show, where he spoke about Topuria. The featherweight champion was reluctant to give Holloway a title shot. Moreover, he was dismissive of Holloway’s victory over Gaethje. Furthermore, he demanded certain conditions for Holloway to get a title shot. Holloway questioned the legitimacy of Topuria as the champion.

The dude is super questionable……Last time I checked, when I was your age, I already had title defenses, buddy. So it looks like you’ve still got some catching up to do.
Max Holloway via The Jim Rome Show
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Max Holloway has many reasons to fight Ilia Topuria as the Spaniard defeated Alexander Volkanovski, who is 3-0 against Holloway. Moreover, Topuria has even vowed to be the first to knock out Holloway. For context, the UFC’s official stats show that Holloway has not been knocked down in his career.

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Topuria recently revealed that the UFC plans to host an event in Spain in early 2025. Therefore, the promotion supposedly wanted Topuria to headline UFC 306 at the Las Vegas Sphere. For the potential fight, Topuria has openly challenged Holloway. The Hawaiian has never shied away from a challenge, thus potentially setting a matchup between a ‘Bull’ and the ‘Matador.’

Max Holloway on the greatest moment in his MMA career

Max Holloway has been part of several high-profile fights in the UFC. On most occasions, he has surpassed the expectations of the fans. Sometimes, he has also faltered. The brutal knockout of Justin Gaethje is one of those times he surpassed any expectations.

Max Holloway fought Jose Aldo twice
Max Holloway fought Jose Aldo twice (Image via: Instagram)

Nonetheless, Holloway did not believe that his victory at UFC 300 was the greatest moment of his MMA career. Holloway revealed it on his appearance on the Jim Rome Show, also clarifying that his number one pick was due to personal reasons.

My number one would be fighting the 'King of Rio' Jose Aldo in Rio. I was the interim champ at the time. He was the undisputed champ. I went to Rio, I fought the King of Rio, and I got the finish.
Max Holloway via The Jim Rome Show

Holloway idolized Jose Aldo when he grew up. Aldo reigned the featherweight divisions of the WEC and the UFC for a long time before Conor McGregor dethroned him. As such, Aldo was and still is a legend of the sport, and many consider him their favorite fighter.

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