In an exciting recent episode of 'The MMA Hour', undefeated featherweight champion Ilia Topuria laid out his plans and requirements for his future battles in the UFC. Maintaining an impressive 15-0-0 record, Topuria remains firmly on top, targeting two key adversaries: Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski .
Ilia Topuria: Ready to defend his title
Having recently been named BMF, Max Holloway (25-7-0) emerges as the main challenger for Topuria's first defense title. Despite this, the champion is not limiting himself to a single opponent, also contemplating the possibility of a rematch against Volkanovski , a discussion that has been in the air for some time.
Challenges and strategies in the UFC
Topuria shared his frustration with how previous matchups have been handled, stating that he wanted to fight Holloway before his fight with Volkanovski, but the UFC opted to save Holloway for a later time. "The UFC saved him," Topuria explained, referring to the organization that kept Holloway for future fights, including the showdown with Justin Gaethje.
The confrontation with Holloway
On Holloway , Topuria was adamant: "He's next. He can say whatever he wants, that I'm running and he's the bull, and this and that. Come on, man. Just bring the same energy you had in the last 10 seconds." , but in the first 10 seconds and we'll see what happens." Topuria demonstrated confidence in his superiority, proclaiming, "I know I'll be the first to turn his lights off. I know I'm much better than him everywhere. I can do whatever I want with him."
Requirements for the next fight
However, Topuria made clear one crucial condition for facing Holloway: the BMF belt must be at stake. "Without the BMF belt, I don't want it at all. Otherwise, I'll look for a rematch with 'Volk'. But since he has that belt, I'm excited about it. That's why I want it." He stated that as champion, he has the power to decide when and where the fights will take place, and Holloway just needs to be prepared to answer the call.
Ultimately, Ilia Topuria not only establishes himself as a dominant power in his division, but also as an astute strategist who knows exactly what he wants and how to achieve it, charting his own path to legend in the UFC.
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