UFC Legend Doesn't Want To See Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway Next

The UFC Hall of Famer doesn't like the idea of one fight.

Fernando Quiles Jr. | Jun 28, 2023

UFC Legend Doesn't Want To See Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway Next /

One UFC legend would rather not see Ilia Topuria fight Max Holloway next.

Much has been made about Topuria's rise in the featherweight division. He's fresh off a unanimous decision victory over Josh Emmett in an exciting fight that ended up being a showcase for Topuria. Many believe the top-five-ranked UFC featherweight should be in line to fight for the 145-pound gold next.

The current champion, Alexander Volkanovski, will take on interim titleholder Yair Rodriguez in a title unification bout at UFC 290 on July 8. Volkanovski has urged Topuria to wait for his title opportunity, rather than take another fight.

During an episode of his "Believe You Me" podcast, UFC Hall of Famer Michael Bisping explained why he doesn't want Topuria to be matched up with Holloway next.

"I don't want to see him fight Max Holloway," Bisping said. "Max Holloway is Max Holloway, do you know what I mean? Outside of Volkanovski, he can seemingly beat everyone."

Bisping would rather see Topuria go straight for the UFC Featherweight Championship in his next outing.

"I'd like to see him vs. Volkanovski if, obviously, next week Volk gets past Yair Rodriguez," Bisping said. "I don't think I'm surprising anyone when I say he's probably the favorite."

Holloway is scheduled to take on "The Korean Zombie" Chan Sung Jung on August 26. If Bisping gets his wish, then he feels fight fans are in for a memorable title fight.

"If he beats Yair next week, who's the next contender for him? I think Ilia Topuria is right there and that would be a sensational fight."

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Published Jun 28, 2023

FERNANDO QUILES JR.

Fernando has over a decade of combat sports news writing experience. He currently covers MMA, boxing, and pro wrestling. Fernando joined MMA Knockout as the Lead Writer/Editor when it was founded in 2023.