Ilia Topuria Questions Max Holloway’s BMF Status: “I Caught You”

UFC 308: Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway (Image Credits: Getty Images)

Every fighter in the UFC believes they deserve the title, and that belief grows stronger if they’ve already beaten the current champion but don’t hold the belt. Ilia Topuria finds himself in that exact position. After knocking out Max Holloway, he continues to claim that he’s the real BMF champion, not Max. In his eyes, the title should follow the performance, not just the belt, and with his past victory over Holloway, Topuria feels the BMF crown already belongs to him.

Speaking with the Nelk Boys, Topuria questioned Holloway’s status as the BMF champion, pointing to their previous UFC 308 fight where he felt Holloway backed down from a direct challenge early on. Topuria highlighted how he still managed to knock him out despite that moment and finds it hard to accept that Holloway now holds the BMF title. 

For Topuria, the belt should reflect who truly delivered the most dominant and fearless performance inside the cage. “I pointed to the ground in the first 10 seconds, and you ran away. Then I caught you anyway and put you to sleep, and you’re still the BMF? How?” he said. 

🚨 Ilia Topuria on Max Holloway being the BMF champion:

“I pointed to the ground in the first 10 seconds and you ran away. Then I caught you anyway and put you to sleep, and you’re still the BMF? How?”

via @nelkboys pic.twitter.com/H96WPT135H

— ACD MMA (@acdmma_) July 23, 2025

Meanwhile, Holloway remains the BMF champion after his win over Dustin Poirier at UFC 318. Responding to Topuria’s latest claim, Holloway dismissed the idea entirely, saying it makes no sense.

Max Holloway Ridicules Ilia Topuria Over His Claim To Be Real BMF Title Holder

Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway (Image Credit: Getty Images)

Holloway believes the BMF title wasn’t on the line when he fought ‘El Matador’ and sees no reason for Topuria to claim it now. He also criticized the move to purchase a replica belt after the fight, calling it unnecessary and excessive. ‘Blessed’ pointed out that true champions don’t need to flaunt titles that weren’t at stake, referencing how others, like Islam Makhachev, didn’t claim belts in similar situations despite dominant wins.

Indeed, it will be interesting to see if Holloway gets a title shot next, especially with Dana White hinting that anything is possible. If the matchup happens, the result could finally put all the debates to rest and settle the question of who truly deserves the crown. 

Also Read: Alexander Volkanovski Makes Honest Confession About How Islam Makhachev Fight Did More Damage

Ilia Topuria Questions Max Holloway’s BMF Status: “I Caught You”
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