Chael Sonnen has ignited a controversy by questioning whether Ilia Topuria deserved a third UFC title after his knockout victory over Max Holloway, highlighting ongoing discussion about the Ilia Topuria UFC titles controversy. Sonnen’s opinion arrives as Topuria stands undefeated with two UFC championships, but some believe he should hold the novelty “BMF” title as well.
Topuria’s Rise Through Featherweight and Lightweight Divisions
Ilia Topuria’s record remains unblemished at 17-0, marking him as one of the UFC’s most formidable competitors. His recent run saw him claim the featherweight crown with a knockout over Alexander Volkanovski, a renowned champion. Topuria then defended that belt by stopping Max Holloway, a legend never previously defeated by strikes. Following this, Topuria vacated his featherweight belt, transitioned to the lightweight division, and achieved another knockout win over Charles Oliveira, seizing the vacant lightweight title.
This streak of triumphs against respected names in the sport secured for Topuria two division titles. Yet, debate persists regarding whether this tally underrepresents his potential achievements.
Sonnen’s Argument for the BMF Title
Chael Sonnen, a prominent analyst and past title challenger, voiced his belief that Topuria should possess not just two, but three UFC belts. Sonnen’s argument hinges on the BMF title, a novelty championship currently held by Max Holloway at the time he faced Topuria. In Sonnen’s view, by defeating Holloway, Topuria should have also won the BMF title, which was not put on the line for that bout.
“The marketing and the posters [for UFC 317] are totally different, but we’ve got to follow it to the T. The belt’s either up it’s or it’s not,”
—Chael Sonnen, UFC Analyst
“Everybody likes Max and respects Max and we know great how is. There’s more to it. He was the reigning BMF champion. Ilia Topuria should have two over the shoulder and one on the waist, and I really think that was an error. I’m glad that error wasn’t made when Max next fights. I’m glad they’re making him put the belt up [at UFC 318]. If you got a belt, it’s got to be on the line.”
—Chael Sonnen, UFC Analyst
According to Sonnen, the UFC should have made the BMF title available when Topuria faced Holloway, emphasizing his belief that titleholders must always defend their belts when competing. Holloway is currently set to put the BMF belt on the line against Dustin Poirier at UFC 318, correcting this previous oversight in Sonnen’s view.
Assessing the Broader Impact
This debate among prominent UFC personalities and fans highlights a complex question surrounding specialty titles and how the organization manages championship opportunities. For Topuria, the controversy brings extra attention to his achievements, as well as to Holloway, Dustin Poirier, and others involved in upcoming title matchups.
If UFC policy shifts in response to this discussion, future fighters moving between divisions or facing reigning specialty titleholders may see more unified championship bouts. For now, the Ilia Topuria UFC titles controversy ensures that every major title fight—such as Holloway’s forthcoming BMF defense—will be scrutinized both inside and outside the octagon, with Chael Sonnen’s remarks ensuring the debate remains active.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Ilia Topuria Turkish?
A. Ilia Topuria, born on January 21, 1997, is a professional mixed martial artist from Georgia and Spain. He fights in the Lightweight division for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Right now, he holds the title of UFC Lightweight Champion.