UFC Phenom Ilia Topuria is Already Overlooking Alexander Volkanovski

Ilia Topuria targets his next opponent after Alexander Volkanovski.

Ilia Topuria is confident that he will defeat Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298. In fact, "El Matador" is already looking ahead to his next challenge as he sets his sights on former featherweight champion Max Holloway.

Ilia Topuria Makes Bold Statement On UFC Champion Alexander Volkanovski

Speaking on the 'Overdogs Podcast' on November 21, Topuria outlined his future plans at featherweight:

"I'm gonna beat [Volkanovski] now on February 17," Topuria announced. "And then I'm gonna fight with Max Holloway here in Spain."

If this were to happen, it would mark the first-ever UFC event in Spain.

If Topuria were to emerge victorious and defend his title against Holloway, it would imply that "Blessed" would either have to remain inactive until April/May 2024 at the earliest, or secure a win in a fight before that time.

Holloway isn't currently scheduled for a fight, and there aren't many options in the featherweight rankings that make sense. One possibility is for Holloway to move up to lightweight to preserve his status at featherweight.

Aljamain Sterling Wants Max Holloway at Featherweight: Next Fight at UFC 300?

A lightweight fight is something Holloway has been flirting with, recently calling out Justin Gaethje for a BMF showdown:

If you change your mind bratha, how about one for the fans? #BMF 🙌🏻 @Justin_Gaethje https://t.co/d4KjwBdTHz

— Max Holloway (@BlessedMMA) October 26, 2023

Gaethje's manager shared Holloway's sentiment, but "The Highlight" shot down the callout in an interview with ESPN.

For now, fight fans will have to see how the matchups progress.

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