Topuria: What’s Next After Beating Holloway?
Ilia Topuria knocked out Max Holloway in the third round to retain his UFC Featherweight Title, raising question marks over his next steps.
The Georgian retained his UFC Featherweight Title in emphatic circumstances. He delivered on his pre-fight promise that he would knock out Holloway. He even goaded Holloway to meet him in the center and trade. While Max failed to do so, it was not enough to prevent the champion from coming forward and exerting his pressure. The win solidified Topuria’s status as one of the best P4P fighters in the world.
In his post-fight interview, Alexander Volkanovski joined him. The champion indicated his desire to run things back with the Australian. Topuria has already knocked out Volk, having done so at UFC 298 to win the featherweight belt. There was talk over a rematch before Topuria faced Holloway instead. But Volk did say he was promised the winner of Topuria-Holloway. Topuria seems to have given the green light for it.
“He is a man, we’re going to do it again. You deserve that. You’re the man. He defended his title seven times… I don’t know how many times… If someone deserves it – it’s him. So, let’s do it, brother,” Topuria
Other Options
Another option is to face Islam Makhachev. Islam is the UFC Lightweight Champion, a belt he retained after beating Dustin Poirier in his last fight. He submitted Poirier in the final round to retain his belt. He is expected to face Arman Tsarukyan in his next fight. But he has been exchanging verbals with Topuria on social media. Topuria said he is willing to move up to lightweight to settle their feud. Islam is not opposed to that fight, but it would be tough for the featherweight champion. Volk moved up twice in an attempt to beat Islam. But he came up short on both occasions, showing how difficult it would be.
Topuria could also take on Movsar Evloev. The latter is undefeated in the UFC with an 8-0 record. All his fights have gone the distance, showing he can last with many fighters. This would be crucial in facing Topuria, who is known for being a knockout artist. However, it may also show that he does not have the power to earn his opponents’ respect, something he may need to prevent the Georgian from walking him down.
Topuria Vs. Evloev
Evloev has also not faced the biggest names. But his last two wins were against respectable names. He beat Diego Lopes and Arnold Allen in unanimous decision victories. Evloev will face Aljamain Sterling at UFC 310 in December. If he comes out with a win against the former bantamweight champion, it will only increase his stock. But Topuria was not impressed after the Russian called him out.
“Maybe they can find someone from his home town. Maybe he can fight with his dad or something and finish him. But he needs to finish someone because the record he has right now – yeah, it seems nice: He’s undefeated. But the guy didn’t finish anyone, So he needs to do something,” Topuria stated
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