Bible Verses and Title Fights: Max Holloway Set to Challenge Ilia Topuria

After historic UFC 300 victory, Holloway is ready to fight for the belt

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A lot has changed in the UFC featherweight division since July of 2022.

In the co-main event of UFC 276, which took place on July 2, 2022, Alexander Volkanovski absolutely obliterated Max Holloway. This marked the third time Volkanovski defeated Holloway, and, by far, the most dominant. All three judges scored the fight, 50-45, in favor of Volkanovski, and it did not even feel that close.

Yet an interesting development occurred as Holloway was, allegedly, showing major signs of decline–he kept pushing forward. Under the radar, Holloway won a very physical bout against Arnold Allen a year ago, then crushed the Korean Zombie over the summer. But this past fight was the most impressive, as Holloway busted Justin Gaethje’s nose in the opening round before knocking him out with one second left in the fight. It will stand as an all-time great moment in MMA history, and it propels Holloway back into the sport’s consciousness.

New BMF champion Max Holloway / Courtesy Zuffa LLC

Suddenly, Holloway is back in the thick of the featherweight title picture.

A new face now runs the division. Ilia Topuria knocked out Volkanovski in February, extending his undefeated streak to 15. But he has never fought a striker like Holloway, who possesses the most elite boxing in the UFC. Holloway, of course, has never been knocked out in his illustrious career, a fact that Topuria will look to change.

While Topuria was initially against giving Holloway a shot at the belt, there is no denying him after the BMF showing against Gaethje. This is a positive for Volkanovski, too. After getting knocked out in two of his past three bouts, Volkanovski needs time before rushing back into the Octagon.

It is also a humbling reminder that time waits for no one in MMA, even Volkanovski. It shows why Volkanovski was insistent on fighting so often; just like that, the division has forged forward without him. And the newest title bout was unofficially confirmed in a very organic fashion on social media–through Bible verses.

It’s all love champ. I’ll be seeing you soon. Jeremiah 51:20 https://t.co/D6i8Ph7SQ5

— Max Holloway (@BlessedMMA) April 15, 2024

In an exchange that would make Bryce Mitchell smile, Topuria and Holloway communicated through scripture. That happened earlier this morning, when Topuria extended his congratulations to Holloway on the UFC 300 victory while weaving in that he will be the first to knock him out. In the tweet, he referenced Philippians 4:13. Holloway responded a few hours later. Not to be outdone, he also cited scripture–specifically Jeremiah 51:20. Unsurprisingly, neither fighter quoted Timothy 22:23-25, which details correcting opponents with gentleness.

Quote any verse you’d like, as this fight is on. It marks a chance for Topuria to wipe out both Volkanovski and Holloway, as well as an opportunity for Holloway to reclaim his throne atop the division.