Max Holloway Sets Sights on Ilia Topuria Rematch with BMF and Undisputed Titles on the Line
Max Holloway, the current BMF champion, has his eyes fixed on a rematch with Ilia Topuria, and this time, he’s looking to put everything on the table. Holloway is targeting a path that runs through Charles Oliveira at UFC 326, which would ultimately lead to a highly anticipated showdown with Topuria for both the BMF strap and the undisputed lightweight title.
In a recent interview with TNT Sports, Holloway outlined his ideal scenario, referencing their first meeting and the stakes he wants next time. “In a perfect world, we go out there, get my hand raised, and do it very fashionably—make it undeniable, make a moment. Then go get Ilia, with the BMF title on the line and the undisputed title as well,” Holloway said. He added that Topuria “was talking about the last one at 145, but the title wasn’t on the line,” and pushed the responsibility back toward the promotion: “You can’t be mad at me—be mad at the UFC. They didn’t allow it.”
Max Holloway wants to get revenge on Ilia Topuria, and this time he wants both the BMF and the undisputed title on the line.
“in a perfect world, we go out there, get my hand raised, and do it very fashionably—make it undeniable, make a moment. Then go get Ilia, with the BMF… pic.twitter.com/VAfmTKBIM5
— MMA Pros Pick (@MMA_PROS_PICK_) January 16, 2026
Holloway’s frustration is easy to understand given how the first fight ended. Topuria stopped him in the main event of UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi on October 26, 2024, defending the featherweight title with a third-round knockout that handed Holloway the first KO loss of his career. A right hand hurt Holloway, a left hook dropped him, and follow-up ground-and-pound forced the stoppage.
He captured the BMF belt by knocking out Justin Gaethje with a walk-off right hand in the final seconds of their fight at UFC 300, a finish that instantly became one of the defining moments of the card. He then moved full-time to lightweight and outpointed Dustin Poirier in a trilogy bout at UFC 318, becoming the first BMF champion to log a successful defense. The UFC has now booked Holloway to defend the BMF title against former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira in a rematch at UFC 326 on March 7, 2026, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Topuria’s position has changed just as dramatically. After knocking out Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298 to win the featherweight belt, he defended against Holloway at UFC 308, then moved up and knocked out Oliveira in the first round at UFC 317 to claim the vacant lightweight title and become a two-division champion. Along the way, he spoke repeatedly about his struggles making 145 pounds and suggested his featherweight run was nearing its end, which frames Holloway’s remark about “the last one at 145” and the belt not being at stake.
The Lightweight Landscape and Upcoming Fights
The lightweight landscape is crowded, with an interim title fight between Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324 set to produce a mandatory challenger for Topuria. Topuria has indicated interest in facing the winner, while Holloway is trying to force his way into that conversation by tying his BMF reign to a bid for undisputed gold.
For Holloway, the equation is simple: beat Oliveira again at UFC 326, keep the BMF belt, and leave the UFC with a lucrative storyline, revenge against the only man to stop him, with two titles on the line. This would not only be a significant moment in Holloway’s career but also a testament to his determination and skill as a fighter.
As the world of MMA continues to evolve, fights like the potential rematch between Holloway and Topuria remind us of the sport’s ability to captivate audiences and push fighters to their limits. With the stakes higher than ever, both Holloway and Topuria are poised for a showdown that could redefine the lightweight division and cement their places in MMA history.
