Max Holloway versus Ilia Topuria is one of the most anticipated fights that fans are waiting to experience. While there are several speculations about the fight, Dana White and UFC have not made an official announcement yet. However, it seems like popular reporter, Ariel Helwani might have a massive lead.Â
The rivalry between Max Holloway and Ilia Topuria started after the ‘Blessed’ won at UFC 300 and called out the Spaniard. This led to a series of back and forth between both fighters and now the UFC has finally scheduled the fight. In a recent episode of The MMA Hour show, Helwani revealed that the fight will take place at UFC 307 in Utah on October 6.
There’s going to be a great title fight in Utah later this year. How lucky is Utah, getting PFL on Friday and then Topuria and Max.
Ariel Helwani via The MMA Hour ShowÂ
This was not an official announcement however, given Ariel Helwani’s history with UFC inside scoops, this could be true. Helwani recently made headlines by successfully predicting the cancellation of the Conor McGregor fight at UFC 303. With Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili potentially headlining at UFC 306, it won’t be surprising to see Topuria vs. Holloway at UFC 307.Â
🚨 Ariel Helwani hints at Ilia Topuria vs Max Holloway being targeted for the UFC event in Utah later this year 👀
“There’s going to be a great title fight in Utah later this year. How lucky is Utah, getting PFL on Friday and then Topuria and Max.”
🎥 @arielhelwani #TheMMAHour pic.twitter.com/lZ2nH71FQO
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) June 24, 2024
This would mean that Topuria’s preparations to defend his title in Spain are no longer feasible. The champion desired to make his first title defense in Spain. He had plans to fight at the famed Santiago Bernabeu, home of the Real Madrid football team. While all this might be very confusing for fight fans, there is someone else who has also confirmed that the fight has been finalized.
Brian Ortega reveals news about Ilia Topuria vs. Max HollowayÂ
Brian Ortega is currently scheduled to fight at the co-main event of UFC 303 against Diego Lopes. Ahead of the fight, the fighter has also announced that he will be moving up to the lightweight division. According to the fighter, the lack of opportunities for him to get a featherweight title shot against Ilia Topuria is the reason for his decision.Â
Brian Ortega confirms Max Holloway vs. Ilia Topuria (via X/Imago)
During a recent interview with SHAK MMA, Ortega talked about the Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway fight. According to the fighter, the much-awaited title showdown has already been scheduled. The fighter mentioned that he might be false but is pretty much confident about the news.Â
I think that fight [Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway] is gonna be. I think that fight is already made. I heard that fight’s already made, let’s just say it that way. From what I heard, but I could be wrong. But I’m not usually wrong
Brian Ortega via SHAK MMA
After his last performance at UFC 300, Holloway has become a huge draw and fans are excited to see him back in the octagon. On the other hand, it will be Topuria’s first-ever title defense. With former champion Alexander Volkanovski placing his bet on Holloway over Topuria, the champ has the opportunity to prove himself to the world.Â
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