UFC Featherweight Champion Ilia Topuria has voiced frustration over delays in organizing a fight with Max Holloway, attributing the hold-up to Holloway’s “excuses.”
Topuria, who secured the featherweight title with a second-round knockout of Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298, is eager to defend his title and has called out Holloway for postponing the bout.
2024 has been a stellar year for Topuria, nicknamed “El Matador,” who has not only claimed the championship but also starred in an upcoming biographical movie, “Topuria, Matador.” Fans are clamoring for a title clash between Topuria and Holloway, who recently delivered a knockout performance against Justin Gaethje at UFC 300, solidifying his position as a top contender.
Topuria, addressing the delay, said in a press conference:
“I think that’s a question for Max Holloway. I’ve been ready all summer, but he’s giving all the excuses—family issues, weight cut problems, and not wanting to fight me.”
He added that he is prepared to face anyone the UFC matches him against, inviting other contenders to step up if Holloway continues to delay.
If Holloway opts out, Topuria has other potential opponents, including former champion Alexander Volkanovski and top contenders Brian Ortega and Movsar Evloev.
Topuria expressed a preference for fighting at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi on October 26, as the timing would allow fans in Spain to watch in prime time. However, he remains open to fighting at UFC 306 in Las Vegas or UFC 307 in Salt Lake City, depending on the UFC’s scheduling.
Despite the criticism from Topuria, some, like fighter Paddy Pimblett, believe it is actually Topuria who is hesitant. Pimblett accused Topuria of being “scared” to face Holloway, suggesting that Topuria’s victory over Volkanovski was fortunate due to Volkanovski’s short recovery time after a previous knockout.
As the UFC continues to finalize its fight schedule, it remains to be seen whether Topuria will get his desired match against Holloway or if another contender will step into the ring.
