Max Holloway has openly called for a rematch against Ilia Topuria in the lightweight division, drawing attention from fans and experts across the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/mma/ufc/”>UFC community. This desire for a second fight comes shortly after Holloway’s recent victory, which has sparked renewed interest in a potential showdown between the two fighters.
Known as ‘Blessed,’ Holloway secured a win over Dustin Poirier at UFC 318, defending his BMF title in a commanding performance. Motivated by this success, Holloway is now challenging the current UFC lightweight champion, signaling his intent to compete at the highest level once again.
Chael Sonnen Applauds Holloway’s Determination to Face Topuria Again
During an appearance on the Good Guy / Bad Guy podcast, former UFC fighter and commentator Chael Sonnen shared his admiration for Holloway’s approach to pursuing the rematch. Sonnen highlighted the significance of Holloway’s public declaration and the way he has engaged with the media to build anticipation for the fight.
“I’m so proud of Max Holloway for doing this. I got to tell you that the game that he is playing through the media, we would have laughed, and I believe partner, we actually did…. And all of a sudden, Max versus Ilia [Topuria] is not that far away. What an incredible claim by Max, ‘You did it once, but you have to do it twice.’ I mean, that’s how things become real.”
—Chael Sonnen, UFC Analyst and Former Fighter
Alexander Volkanovski Supports a Second Meeting Between Holloway and Topuria
Their initial clash took place at UFC 308 for the featherweight championship, where Ilia Topuria knocked out Max Holloway to defend his title. After Holloway’s hard-fought victory at UFC 318, featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski voiced his support for a rematch, recognizing the potential excitement it could generate within the lightweight class.
Volkanovski praised Holloway’s recent performances and the level of competition he has faced, reinforcing the idea that Holloway deserves a prominent spot among the top contenders in the division.
“I’m gonna give Max [Holloway] a moment right now to just say how incredible that was. It is not easy to come back from losses…I know Max just fought [Topuria], but now it’s at lightweight where they both sort of want to be…Max beat Justin Gaethje, who I think is the No. 1 contender, and Poirier, who just fought for the title. So he literally beat the two top guys…That’s his only fights in lightweight, his streak right now, and it’s against the two top guys. You’d say he’s next. You would think so.”
—Alexander Volkanovski, UFC Featherweight Champion
What a Rematch Could Mean for the Lightweight Division
With the callouts from Holloway and public endorsements from figures like Sonnen and Volkanovski, a second fight between Max Holloway and Ilia Topuria has grown increasingly plausible. This rematch would not only offer Holloway a chance to avenge his knockout loss but also shake up the lightweight rankings and create fresh excitement among fans.
As both fighters continue to compete at elite levels, their rematch could influence title contention and become a significant storyline in the UFC’s lightweight landscape moving forward.