The featherweight division experienced a huge shake up earlier this week when it was announced Ilia Topuria is vacating the belt.
After dethroning Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298 last February, Ilia Topuria further increased his star power when he became the first fighter to knock out Max Holloway at UFC 308.
Following the fight, Topuria faced off with Volkanovski in the cage, suggesting that the two would rematch next.
Despite that fight originally being targeted for UFC 314 in Miami this coming April, UFC boss, Dana White announced earlier this week that Topuria has vacated the featherweight title and will permanently move up to 155lbs.
With ‘El Matador’ having left the title behind after claiming he has done all he can do at 145lbs and that the weight cut was taking too much of a toll, it has left the door wide open for several contenders.
Max Holloway shuts down featherweight move following title vacation
After announcing Topuria’s move up to lightweight, White announced that Volkanovski will fight Diego Lopes for the vacant title in the UFC 314 main event, giving ‘The Great’ another chance at UFC gold.
However, Topuria’s move could’ve also opened the door up for ‘Blessed’ Holloway, who was the last fighter to compete for the strap.
Following his loss to the 28-year-old, Holloway revealed he was permanently moving up to 155lbs, after claiming the BMF title against Justin Gaethje at 155lbs earlier last year.
Although there would be a chance for Holloway to regain the featherweight title after Topuria’s move, he has shut down the potential of staying at 145lbs.
“Bold prediction! Max Holloway has the belt again by the end of the year… Topuria’s exit gives some wiggle room for a return to featherweight for Max?” one fan commented on X.
What’s next for Max Holloway and when will he return?
After confirming that he will not stay at featherweight following ‘El Matador’s’ move up, fans have been left wondering what could be next for the 33-year-old.
With Holloway confirming that he will be permanently moving to 155lbs too, he has admitted that he would be down for a rematch against Topuria at lightweight.
It is unlikely that a rematch between the two stars happens straightaway and Topuria will likely fight for the title immediately, despite Makhachev and Khabib being against that idea.
Holloway expects a return to the Octagon this coming summer with potential opponents including Charles Oliveira, Arman Tsarukyan, and Dustin Poirier.