Max Holloway, the reigning BMF Champion, is in a favorable position following his UFC 318 pay-per-view main event victory against Dustin Poirier. Poirier, who challenged for the UFC 155-pound title just over a year ago, had previously faced Holloway at the lightweight division, where Holloway secured a win against a top contender before moving back to featherweight. This history places Holloway with strong momentum ahead of his potential next challenge against the newly crowned lightweight champion, Ilia Topuria.
Topuria, who defeated Holloway at UFC 308 in their initial title bout last autumn, recently moved up a weight class to capture another championship. This shift creates a unique scenario where Holloway’s recent performances and his competitive edge at 155 pounds position him well in a possible rematch with Topuria. Holloway’s enthusiasm for a fight with the UFC 317 main event winner, either Topuria or Charles Oliveira, signals his readiness for a title shot.
Dustin Poirier’s Insight on Holloway’s Strategy Against Topuria
Dustin Poirier, who has now fought Holloway twice, believes that Holloway could turn the tide in a potential third meeting against Topuria by adopting new tactics. Despite Topuria being the only fighter to have knocked Holloway out in his lengthy career, Poirier emphasizes that Holloway’s resilience and durability remain exceptional.
“I think Max would have to change up his approach to the fight. [Maybe, like] …Use his lateral footwork like he did with me, stay on the bike, use his length…But, man, if Ilia lands on anybody from 145 to 170, if he lands clean, I think he puts [everyone] out.” —Dustin Poirier, to MMAJunkie’s Mike Bohn for ‘The BohnFire’ Episode #41
In their fight at featherweight, Topuria managed to knock Holloway down, marking only the second official knockdown against the Hawaiian fighter, with Poirier being the first in their recent bout. Although Justin Gaethje had moments that seemed close to dropping Holloway, those were not recorded as official knockdowns. This fact underlines the challenge Holloway faces against a sharp and powerful striker like Topuria.
Holloway’s lateral movement, dexterity, and use of kicks contrast sharply with Topuria’s straightforward but powerful punching style. Holloway has also demonstrated superior cardio and endurance at 155 pounds, notably in his tough fight with Poirier and his run as a contender for Fight of the Year. However, Topuria’s strength and knockout power, comparable to fighters competing at 170 pounds, present a formidable threat that could make any rematch highly unpredictable.
Potential Challenges and Opportunities in the Holloway-Topuria Rivalry
While Poirier does not dismiss Topuria’s toughness or his powerful chin, he remains hopeful that Holloway can improve and adapt for a possible rematch. The question remains whether Holloway will be given the opportunity for a third fight against the rising star.
Holloway’s ability to implement a more tactical approach with enhanced footwork and stamina could significantly alter the dynamics of their next bout. Meanwhile, Topuria’s youth, undefeated status, and knockout streak highlight the importance of any adjustments Holloway might make.
Debate Over the BMF Title and Top Contenders
The anticipation around a potential rematch also involves the BMF title, which Holloway currently holds. Despite Topuria’s knockout over Holloway and his unblemished record, some UFC executives and insiders remain hesitant to fully endorse Topuria as the legitimate BMF challenger.
Ilia Topuria has built an impressive streak, which includes a unique triple-knockout title run, making him one of the most dominant fighters recently. He is the only fighter to become a two-division champion while remaining undefeated. However, Jack Della Maddalena, the current welterweight champion at 170 pounds, stakes a claim to the BMF status, citing that the title has historically been linked to the welterweight division.
The BMF belt debuted with Jorge Masvidal at welterweight in 2019 and since then has not been contested outside specific high-profile fights. Della Maddalena’s recent victory at 170 and his claim to the title stem from a ‘lineal’ perspective, which prioritizes his position as champion in the division where the BMF title originated.
“Little fella is a little confused. It’s actually mine.” —Jack Della Maddalena, reacting to Ilia Topuria’s claim on the BMF belt, shared on Instagram
Holloway has defended the BMF belt at 155 pounds, but the clash between Topuria and Holloway complicates the narrative, especially since there has been no clear indication which title might be on the line should they meet again. Whether they will battle for the undisputed lightweight championship, the BMF title, or both remains to be seen, leaving fans eager for clarity from UFC matchmakers.
The Road Ahead: Implications for UFC Lightweight and Featherweight Divisions
The potential rematch between Max Holloway and Ilia Topuria promises high stakes given their previous encounters and the shifting championship landscape. Holloway’s recent victories and tactical evolution place him as a significant threat to Topuria’s title reign, but Topuria’s power and undefeated streak ensure the fight would be highly competitive.
Beyond the outcome of any rematch, the fight could influence the future of the lightweight division’s top contenders and reshape the discussions around the BMF title’s rightful holder. The ongoing rivalry between fighters like Holloway, Topuria, and Della Maddalena underscores the UFC’s complex championship hierarchies and the narratives that fuel its biggest pay-per-view events.
For fans and analysts alike, the next steps in this rivalry will be crucial, as adjustments in fighting styles, promotional strategies, and title stakes could redefine the landscape of the UFC’s most exciting weight classes.