The BMF champion knows that he has a target on his back but he’s got big plans in mind.
Despite coming out on top in the main event of UFC 318, Max Holloway kept his post-fight speech short before giving his opponent the floor.
Holloway defeated Dustin Poirier and successfully defended the BMF belt to bounce back from his knockout loss last time out.
There were a lot of questions heading into this fight regarding what the stakes were for ‘Blessed’ whether he won or lost on July 19.
While Holloway may have been frustrated to not win a fight of the night bonus, he quickly made it clear who he has in his sights next.
Max Holloway lays down the gauntlet to the UFC to book Ilia Topuria rematch
Max Holloway’s post-fight interview at UFC 318 was incredibly to-the-point because he wanted Dustin Poirier to have his final moment inside the Octagon.
Despite this, ‘Blessed’ was still able to check three boxes in a short time by making the most of his opportunity on the mic.
Along with thanking New Orleans and showing respect to his dance partner, Holloway made it clear who he wants to face next time out.
The former featherweight champion has shown a remarkable ability to bounce back from big losses in the past but there was still some speculation regarding how he would look after being stopped by Ilia Topuria at UFC 308.
Since that fight, ‘El Matador’ has moved up to lightweight and claimed the vacant 155-pound title, which could set the stage for a rematch between them down the line.
Holloway laid down the gauntlet to the UFC when calling out Topuria inside the cage on July 19.
“A lot of m———— coming after this BMF belt, come get me. I got some history with the champ so UFC, your move next baby.”
Dana White said ‘anything is possible’ in regards to Max Holloway facing Ilia Topuria next
In the post-fight press conference, Dana White was asked about a potential rematch between Max Holloway and Ilia Topuria.
As is often the case, the UFC CEO didn’t commit to an upcoming matchup, but he did state that he believes Holloway is in a “great position right now.”
Topuria has several options for his first defense of the belt but there’s certainly an argument to be made that ‘Blessed’ is now in that conversation.
White simply stated that “anything is possible for Max right now” following his bounce back win.