Max Holloway recently expressed his bewilderment regarding Ilia Topuria’s display of the BMF championship belt, which he deems a “waste of money.” This remark came after Holloway successfully defended his title against Dustin Poirier at UFC 318 in July 2025, following a prior defeat to Topuria at UFC 308. As both fighters now compete in the same division, Holloway’s criticism highlights the ongoing tension between them, raising questions about Topuria’s claim to the BMF title and underscoring the evolving dynamics in the UFC lightweight landscape.
Max Holloway’s Post-Fight Insights on Ilia Topuria’s BMF Belt
After an impressive victory against Dustin Poirier at UFC 318, Max Holloway took the opportunity to address Ilia Topuria’s recent antics involving the BMF championship belt. Holloway’s win was significant, marking a strong comeback after his previous setback against Topuria at UFC 308, and adding renewed momentum as he looks to cement his legacy in the featherweight division. During the post-fight press conference, he responded to questions regarding Topuria’s claims about the belt and discussed the implications of such a title in the current landscape of mixed martial arts.
Holloway emphasised the importance of context regarding championship titles, stating, “At the end of the day, when the UFC didn’t put it up, it is what it is.” He stated that titles should carry a certain level of respect and legitimacy, rather than just being used for show. This perspective sheds light on Holloway’s viewpoint, which is heavily rooted in the competitive spirit of the sport and its historical significance.
Ilia Topuria’s Claim to the BMF Title and Holloway’s Criticism
Following Holloway’s impressive decision win, Topuria took to social media, posting a photo of himself with the BMF title, asserting that it was ‘still mine.’ This declaration sparked immediate criticism from Holloway, who found Topuria’s actions puzzling and unnecessary. Holloway pointed out the absurdity of Topuria showcasing a belt that wasn’t earned in competition, likening it to Islam Makhachev parading another champion’s belt after previous victories. The comparisons made by Holloway highlight his view on the integrity of championship titles, emphasising that legitimacy comes from achieving them in a fight.
“Why did you spend money on a damn f*cking belt?” Holloway retorted, further questioning Topuria’s motives and the value of such a display. This strong sentiment from Holloway reflects the broader debate within the UFC and among fans about the nature of championship recognition and the worth of titles that don’t have a direct competitive lineage. Holloway’s disdain for the act echoes a desire among fighters to maintain the sanctity of their sport.
Possible Future Encounters: Holloway vs. Topuria Rematch?
Both fighters now operate in the same division following Topuria’s transition to lightweight, making a rematch seem plausible in the future. Despite their past bout being relatively recent, the dynamic of their careers could shift in the coming months. Holloway’s victory puts him back in title contention, while Topuria has already made significant strides in the lightweight category after knocking out Charles Oliveira at UFC 317. Each fighter’s trajectory will likely dictate whether another bout occurs soon or if they continue on separate paths.
While fan interest in a rematch remains high, Holloway’s current focus is on establishing himself as a top contender amidst the complex landscape of UFC rankings. His bewilderment over Topuria’s self-proclaimed title could serve as motivation not just for a potential fight, but also as a platform for discussing the respect associated with championship titles. As the featherweight and lightweight divisions evolve, the narrative surrounding fighters like Holloway and Topuria will certainly be one to watch.
Conclusion and Outlook: Integrity of UFC Titles
Max Holloway’s recent commentary regarding Ilia Topuria and the BMF championship belt underscores a larger conversation about the integrity of titles in MMA. Holloway, with a wealth of experience and credit to his name, embodies the competitive spirit that many fans of the sport advocate for. His remarks highlight the importance of achieving titles through actual competition rather than through financial display.
As both Holloway and Topuria navigate their respective careers, the MMA community will be closely watching for further developments. Whether through the potential for a rematch or the evolution of weight classes, the discussions sparked by Holloway’s criticisms are likely to resonate for some time, adding an exciting layer of intrigue to the ongoing saga of these two fighters.
| Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Max Holloway’s Critique | Criticised Ilia Topuria for flaunting the BMF belt, calling it a waste of money. |
| Holloway’s Recent Win | Successfully defended BMF title against Dustin Poirier at UFC 318 (July 2025). |
| Previous Bout | Holloway lost to Topuria at UFC 308. |
| Fighters’ Current Division | Both Holloway and Topuria now compete in the lightweight division. |
| Topuria’s Action | Posted photo with BMF title, claiming it was ‘still mine. ‘ |
| Holloway’s Stance on Titles | Emphasises legitimacy comes from earning titles in competition, not display. |
| Potential Rematch | Possible future encounter due to their shared division and ongoing tension. |
Max Holloway criticised Ilia Topuria for flaunting the BMF belt, calling it a waste of money. This highlights the ongoing rivalry and differing perspectives on titles in MMA. As both fighters progress in their careers, one must wonder how such antics affect their future matchups and public perception.
Frequently Asked Questions About Holloway’s BMF Criticism
Why did Max Holloway criticise Ilia Topuria for displaying the BMF belt?
Max Holloway criticised Ilia Topuria for showcasing the BMF championship belt because he believes it’s unnecessary and a waste of money, especially since the belt was not on the line during Topuria’s recent fights.
What did Holloway say about Topuria’s claim to the BMF title?
Holloway acknowledged that Topuria might consider himself the BMF champion, but he highlighted that the UFC did not put the title up for grabs, making Topuria’s actions confusing and unnecessary.
What is the current status of Max Holloway and Ilia Topuria’s fighting careers?
Max Holloway recently defended his championship title successfully at UFC 318, while Ilia Topuria has transitioned to the lightweight division, where he won the championship at UFC 317 after defeating Charles Oliveira.
Is a rematch between Holloway and Topuria likely to happen soon?
While both fighters are in the same division and a rematch could be arranged, it is considered unlikely at this point as they are expected to pursue different paths following their recent fights.
What does BMF stand for in the context of MMA?
BMF stands for ‘Baddest Motherf***er,’ a title created to recognise fighters who embody a tough and fearless attitude, and it has its championship belt that some fighters like Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway have referenced.
Subscribe
