Featherweight champion Ilia Topuria is not the type to stay silent. ‘El Matador’ is ready to claim his position as the biggest trash-talker in the division. With a title showdown coming up at UFC 308, Topuria caught the attention of the MMA community when he stated that he could take on Max Holloway and Sean O’Malley on the same night. Here is what happened:
Ilia Topuria recently sat down for a conversation with MMA Junkie. The Spanish-Georgian confidently stated that both Holloway and O’Malley were not on his level. The UFC champion sees his first-ever title defense as another opportunity to prove his dominance in the featherweight division.
But in reality, I know that they both suck. I can do with them whatever I want to do, I can do it with both of them. I can beat them both in the same night. No problem.
Ilia Topuria via MMA Junkie
It is important to note that such a scenario is not possible under current UFC rules. Dana White’s promotion does not allow fighters to compete in multiple bouts in one event. Following his knockout victory over Alexander Volkanovski, Topuria’s confidence is sky-high.
Ilia Topuria says Sean O’Malley and Max Holloway “both suck” and he would “beat both of them in the same night.”
And as for Islam Makhachev? “I respect him, but there’s levels.” 😳
(via @MikeBohn) pic.twitter.com/0eFt4EanlE
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) August 23, 2024
Right after winning the featherweight title, Topuria had expressed his interest in shifting weight classes to fight for a second belt. While a champ vs. champ showdown would definitely be exciting, the featherweight champion has to successfully defend his title a couple of times first. Sean O’Malley is already going in for his second title defense this September against Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 306.
Ilia Topuria’s elder brother Aleksandre Topuria joins the UFC
The elder brother of UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria has officially signed with the UFC. Aleksandre Topuria competes in the bantamweight division. He holds a professional MMA record of 5 wins and 1 singular loss. All of his wins have come via first-round finishes.
Topuria’s only loss occurred back in 2015. The 28-year-old Topuria fell short against Ivo Ivanov on the Spanish circuit. After that, he took a six-year break from MMA before returning in 2021. The UFC has yet to announce the date or opponent for his debut fight.
This opens up an interesting avenue of possibilities. With both fighters in the early stages of their career in the promotion, there is a good chance they get to compete against each other. With Topuria’s ambitions of double champion status and Aleksandre Topuria being a bantamweight fighter, it will be interesting to see where this dynamic leads in the coming months.
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