A matchup between UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria and BMF champion Max Holloway has not been set, but Alexander Volkanovski — who has fought both — believes Topuria wouldn’t retain his title if the fight comes to fruition.
Volkanovski (26-4 MMA, 13-3 UFC) beat Holloway (26-7 MMA, 22-7 UFC) three times while he held the featherweight belt, but a second-round knockout by the undefeated Topuria (15-0, 7-0 UFC) cost the Australian native his title in February at UFC 298.
According to longtime UFC commentator Joe Rogan, Topuria turned down a rematch with Volkanovski at UFC 305 in Perth, Australia, on Aug. 18. Instead, it appears Holloway is up next for Topuria after knocking out Justin Gaethje in April at UFC 300 to claim the BMF strap.
Volkanovski said he wasn’t contacted about a rematch but does expect to face Topuria again. The Australian isn’t happy about the lack of a rematch because he believes Holloway will win and lower the stakes of a rematch with Topuria.
“I believe Max can go out there and make that fight look easy,” Volkanovski told FOX Sports Australia. “Topuria is very dangerous, a great fighter, but I don’t think he’s as good as he thinks he is. And, of course, he caught me, right? So I can’t really say much.
“I need to show everyone. I know I can do it, too. And I’m also quite confident Max can too, which is why I didn’t want him fighting Topuria before I did.”
–Field Level Media