“That’s my goal,” Ilia Topuria wants Max Holloway in Spain after unseating current champion Alexander Volkanovski in upcoming battle

After beating Alexander Volkanovski in UFC 298, undefeated featherweight contender Ilia Topuria wants to face Max Holloway.

“That’s my goal,” Ilia Topuria wants Max Holloway in Spain after unseating current champion Alexander Volkanovski in upcoming battle

Illia Topuria wants to take on Max Holloway after Alexander Volkanovski ( Image via X/ Imago )

Ilia Topuria has already planned his prospective opponents following his upcoming fight against Alexander Volkanovski. Topuria is a rising talent at featherweight, currently ranked No. 5 in the 145-pound division. He has set his sights on some notable opponents.

Ilia Topuria expressed interest in facing Max Holloway, indicating a potential future matchup between the two fighters. In a recent appearance on the OverDogs Podcast, Topuria said: 

I’m going to beat ‘Volk’ on February 17 and then I’m going to fight Max Holloway here in Spain. That’s my goal right now, and I think it’s going to happen.
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He also aspires to face Canelo Álvarez in a boxing match. Ilia Topuria is a featherweight contender in MMA. Topuria expressed confidence in his ability to compete with the best in the ring, stating that he believes he has a chance against Canelo. This desire for a future boxing clash was reiterated on social media, where Topuria set his sights on a potential bout with Canelo Álvarez after Volkanovski. Ilia Topuria considered Canelo Álvarez his dream fight.

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Ilia Topuria’s last fight took place in June. As of his latest record, he stands undefeated with a record of 14-0-0 in his professional MMA career.

Alexander Volkanovski is ready to take on Ilia Topuria in 2024

Alexander Volkanovski is set to defend his UFC featherweight title against Ilia Topuria in February 2024. The duo will headline UFC 298. This came after Volkanovski expressed his intention for a title defense against Topuria in 2024.

Alexander Volkanovski Ilia Topuria
Alexander Volkanovski adresses Ilia Topuria (Image via Imago / X)

Volkanovski is also keen on a subsequent rematch with Islam Makhachev at UFC 300. Topuria, undefeated at 14-0, believes he has an advantage over Volkanovski. This has created an anticipation for a competitive bout. Volkanovski will defend his title against Topuria for his sixth title defense. This adds to Volkanovski’s impressive record, which stands at 26 wins and 3 losses.

Alexander Volkanovski’s last title defense was against the former UFC interim featherweight champion Yair Rodriguez. The bout served as a title unification match. Volkanovski won the fight via unanimous decision, earning the Fight of the Night award. Alexander Volkanovski then faced Islam Makhachev in a UFC 294 rematch for the Lightweight Championship. Makhachev won via unanimous decision in a Fight of the Year contender, marking his second victory over Volkanovski.

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