“It’s clear for me…” Max Holloway makes Ilia Topuria eat own words after jaw-dropping BMF performance at UFC 300

Max Holloway bagged the BMF title and one of the most iconic knockouts in UFC history.

“It’s clear for me…” Max Holloway makes Ilia Topuria eat own words after jaw-dropping BMF performance at UFC 300

Ilia Topuria weighs in on Max Holloway's win at UFC 300 (Source: Instagram/IMAGO)

Max Holloway entered the lightweight ‘BMF’ title bout at clear risk against the violent finisher Justin Gaethje. He also had things working against his favor in featherweight as champion Ilia Topuria had snubbed out his chances. However, the Hawaiian fighter is truly “Blessed” on both counts. Max Holloway defeated Gaethje and now has an answer from the Spaniard.

Fighting at UFC 300, Holloway left fans and peers surprised with a highlight-reel KO. The spectacular finish (punch) came in Round 5 – at the exact mark of 4:59. It even surprised Ilia Topuria, who defeated Alexander Volkanovski with similar resolve and strength at UFC 298 in Anaheim. Dismissive at first, the Spaniard has now answered his callout.

I think we already clearly have the next fight, It's clear for me...it's going to be Max Holloway. Today is his night, he has to enjoy it, but he's going to have to row again later...just throwing blows without any defense, hands down...that's not going to happen with me because I'm a person who thinks inside the octagon..
Ilia Topuria via ESPN Deportes
YouTube video

The Alicante-Georgian native has seen quite a surge in popularity after his win, especially amongst Spanish and Georgian crowds. However, Topuria also garners the label of being cocky. Even before bagging his title gold, Ilia Topuria had snubbed Holloway from ever contending for his title. The Spaniard reasoned that if he defeated Volk, he would not have to fight Holloway, as Volk defeated the Hawaiian fighter three times.

Meanwhile, Holloway has squared up with Yair Rodriguez, Arnold Allen, and Calvin Kattar. But he never got a chance to contend against Topuria, who later suddenly bloomed out to 145-pound title challenger status. Now, with his win over Justin Gaethje, he has the playing field and has made a callout yet again, and Topuria has answered.

Max Holloway becomes the record holder for holding every possible UFC titles

Max Holloway has earned the ‘BMF’ strap at UFC 300 with one of the most violent knockouts. Consequently, he has earned high praise and even the attention of featherweight champ Ilia Topria. Until now, ‘El Matador’ had been very dismissive of the peer.

Max Holloway vs. Justin Gaethje
Max Holloway vs. Justin Gaethje (Source: UFC.go.com)

As everyone knows, Holloway holds the record for landing the most strikes and significant strikes in UFC history. It is such a record that no one else will ever overcome. The Hawaiian fighter holds a significant lead over other competitors. However, he became the first fighter to hold the interim title, undisputed title, and the BMF title after winning the latter at UFC 300.

A fascinating aspect of this achievement is that only a handful of UFC fighters will ever compete for the BMF title. As such, only a handful of fighters will ever join Holloway in the unique category. Justin Gaethje could join Holloway if he wins the undisputed title. Previously, Gaethje has held the interim title and the BMF title. Moreover, Conor McGregor is another name who could join the list if he ever competes and wins the BMF title.

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