Ilia Topuria’s first defense of his featherweight title against Max Holloway will not come with added incentives.
‘El Matador’ shocked the world when he put long-reigning champion Alexander Volkanovski to sleep in the second round last time out. Since then, the Spaniard has been angling for a fight against Holloway and was interested in competing for the BMF title — though that now looks unlikely.
While discussing his upcoming title defense, Ilia Topuria revealed that the BMF strap won’t be up for grabs at UFC 308 on October 26.
“No, the BMF title is not going to be on the line,” Topuria confirmed. “To be honest, I don’t care.”
“They took that decision and at the end of the day, when I beat him, he can [remain] the BMF or [whatever] they want to call him.”
“I’m just concentrating on my title defense and that’s it. I don’t care about anything else.”
Ilia Topuria confirms Max Holloway's BMF belt is NOT on the line at #UFC308 and promises "I will knock him out in the first round." 😳(via @MikeBohn) pic.twitter.com/q9rGW3pwzE
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) August 21, 2024
Topuria then doubled down on his belief that he’ll become the first to knock Max Holloway out.
“No doubt about that. What makes me feel very excited about that fight is that no one could knock him out.”
“There is no way I’m not going to knock him out. I will be the first one to knock him out because every time I watch him fight, I’m like, I’m way better than him.”
“If you put me with him only in kickboxing or boxing, even in a chess match, I beat him. Whatever you want to do, boy, I beat you.”
Related: Conor McGregor doesn’t consider Ilia Topuria a champion
Topuria went on to bash fans that believe Holloway is one of the best boxers in the sport.
“They don’t know anything about boxing. They don’t know anything about mixed martial arts. They don’t know anything.”
“Who gave you that opinion? People that don’t train a day in their entire life. It’s just a matter of time.”
“I respect Max Holloway. He’s been a great fighter, he’s given us great fights. He seems to be a good person. I respect him but I feel like I’m way better than him everywhere.”
“It’s going to be a complete masterpiece. You will see. I will knock him out in the first round, there’s no doubts about that.”
Watch the full video below.
