UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria has set a new target date for his first title defense as he continues to exchange words online with likely title challenger, Max Holloway.
Since becoming the UFC featherweight champion after knocking out Alexander Volkanovski this past February at UFC 298, Ilia Topuria has highlighted a few dates and locations where he wants to defend his title.
With it unlikely that the promotion will hold its first event in Spain this year, ‘El Matador’ targeted UFC 306 at the Sphere on September 14 for his first title defense, however, that is looking increasingly unlikely now.
Ilia Topuria sets a new target date for his first UFC title defense
The undefeated 27-year-old wants to take the UFC to Spain, to the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, but that will likely be delayed until 2025 if he is still the champion come that time.
With that, he has now targeted a new date and location for his first title defense and doesn’t care who it comes against, as he is claiming that current ‘BMF’ champion, Max Holloway, is causing a delay to the booking.
“I’m aiming for Abu Dhabi, I hope someone steps in. I prefer to fight prime time in Spain,” the champion stated during a press conference with Marca.
The promotion is set to hold UFC 308 from the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on October 26, which will air during prime time for Spanish viewers. The 27-year-old has claimed that Holloway has used several excuses as to why he can’t fight on that date, with Topuria hoping that someone steps up, if not ‘Blessed’.
“You should ask Holloway (why it hasn’t been booked yet). First, he said he needed time to make weight, then that he had family stuff to attend. There are many names that say they want to fight me in public so I hope someone can back up their words. This is what I do, I’m a fighter,” Topuria added.
Topuria and Holloway once again exchange words online
The sparked another online back and forth between Holloway and Topuria, as ‘Blessed’ came out to dispute the featherweight champion’s claims, stating that he was making things up.
“Guy is just making things up at this stage, I been ready,” the BMF champion claimed.
Replying to the 32-year-old, Topuria said: “Choose a date, choose the way you want me to beat you, and write it here. I am ready to turn off your lights whenever and wherever. Call Dana.”
Despite that, Holloway believes it’s the 27-year-old who needs to call the UFC brass, as he has revealed he has already had conversations with them regarding the featherweight title fight.
“Been talking to them brother. You need to check your numbers Since you said it the Sphere by toe hold. See you soon,” Holloway replied.
The promotion is yet to announce the main event for UFC 306 at the Sphere, with Alexa Grasso expected to defend her women’s flyweight title on the card. UFC bantamweight champion, Sean O’Malley, has also been campaigning to be the main event, as he prepares to defend his title against Merab Dvalishvili.
- SPARRING REVELATIONS: ‘I’m gonna get you back’… Ian Machado Garry recalls sparring session with Shavkat Rakhmonov after online claims