The hype around the upcoming showdown between Max Holloway and Ilia Topuria is only getting bigger. Undefeated reigning champion Ilia Topuria will defend his title for the first time against former champion Max Holloway. The Hawaiian fighter expressed his determination to reclaim the UFC featherweight title in a recent video on his YouTube channel.
After his stunning knockout victory over Justin Gaethje at UFC 300, Holloway is returning to featherweight with renewed focus. In his latest YouTube video addressing the fight, Holloway acknowledged the doubts cast on him about his ability to contend for the title again. However, he is confident in his preparation and eager to prove the critics wrong.
I can’t wait. I’ve been going hard over the last few years trying to regain my throne. A lot of people laughed, but we’ll see who gets the last laugh come October 26.
Max Holloway via his official YT Channel
Holloway lost the featherweight title to Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 245 in 2019. Six months later, he got the chance to reclaim the title but lost to Volkanovski again at UFC 251. Moreover, he also failed to recapture it in his trilogy bout against Volk. Now, Ilia Topuria beat Volkanovski at UFC 298 to become the featherweight champion.
Topuria opened as the favorite for this bout, while Holloway remains the underdog. As such, Holloway will have the chance to prove the oddsmakers as well as critics wrong if he defeats Topuria at UFC 308. Champions rarely recapture the title after losing it. The Hawaiian fighter has waited nearly five years to recapture. As such, the BMF champion will look to make history in the coming months.
Chael Sonnen reveals why BMF title is not on the line for Ilia Topuria vs Max Holloway title fight
The big question going into the fight was whether Ilia Topuria would get the BMF title if he beats Max Holloway this October. Interestingly, the BMF title will not be on the line for the UFC 308 fight between Max Holloway and Ilia Topuria. One UFC legend and Hall of Famer had a theory on why it was so.
Chael Sonnen explains why the BMF title is not on the line at UFC 308 main event (Image via Imago)Chael Sonnen recently explained that the reason is primarily due to financial considerations. Sonnen suggested that putting both the BMF and featherweight titles on the line in the same fight would not be the best business move for the UFC.
Well, my guess is something along the lines of how effective it is for marketing. So, if you had both belts on one guy, right… Let’s not forget the marketing effects that that belt has. We agree there’s something that matters about the belt… we can also establish how coveted the BMF is… To waste it or to use it in something that doesn’t get a bounce.
Chael Sonnen via his official YT Channel
Sonnen has a valid point. The UFC used the BMF title to promote UFC 244 and UFC 291. Moreover, it was the major attraction of the historic UFC 300 card. By not putting it on the line at UFC 308, the promotion can maintain the hype around the BMF belt and strategically use it to draw more attention and revenue for another pay-per-view event.
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