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The Shocking KO, The BMF Title Controversy, And The Rematch Delay: What's Next For Max Holloway Vs. Ilia Topuria?

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The highly-anticipated showdown between Max Holloway and Ilia Topuria is no longer a future fantasy; it is a shocking reality that has sent ripples through the entire UFC landscape. As of December 22, 2025, the narrative has completely flipped: the two elite fighters have already met in the cage, resulting in a career-defining moment for one and a controversial setback for the other.

The immediate path to a rematch, which fans are clamoring for, is now complicated by a title controversy, a new opponent for Holloway, and a surprising hiatus from the undefeated champion, Ilia Topuria. The full story of their first encounter and the fractured road to a potential second fight is one of the most compelling storylines in modern MMA.

Fighter Profiles: Max Holloway & Ilia Topuria

To understand the magnitude of their clash and the current situation, it is essential to look at the careers of these two generational talents.

Max "Blessed" Holloway Biography & Key Stats

  • Full Name: Jerome Max Keli'i Holloway
  • Nickname: Blessed
  • Born: December 4, 1991 (Age 34 as of late 2025)
  • Hometown: Waianae, Hawaii, USA
  • Stance: Orthodox
  • Height: 5' 11" (180 cm)
  • Professional MMA Record: 27-8-0 (as of late 2025)
  • UFC Titles: Former UFC Featherweight Champion, Current BMF (Baddest Motherf*cker) Champion
  • Notable Achievements: Holds numerous UFC records for strikes landed and total fight time. His win against Justin Gaethje for the BMF title is considered one of the greatest KOs in UFC history.
  • Association: Gracie Technics

Ilia "El Matador" Topuria Biography & Key Stats

  • Full Name: Ilia Topuria (Georgian: ილია თოფურია)
  • Nickname: El Matador
  • Born: January 21, 1997 (Age 28 as of late 2025)
  • Hometown: Halle, Germany (born), raised in Georgia and Spain
  • Stance: Orthodox
  • Height: 5' 8" (173 cm)
  • Professional MMA Record: 17-0-0 (Undefeated)
  • UFC Titles: Current UFC Featherweight Champion
  • Notable Achievements: First fighter to officially knock out Max Holloway in MMA history. Known for his devastating power and elite BJJ black belt skills.
  • Association: Topuria Team

The Shockwave of UFC 308: Topuria's Historic Knockout

The fight for the undisputed UFC Featherweight Championship took place at UFC 308 on October 26, 2024, at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The anticipation for the clash between the iron-chinned volume striker, Max Holloway, and the undefeated knockout artist, Ilia Topuria, was immense.

The fight delivered on its promise of high-level action, but it ended in a result few could have predicted. Ilia Topuria, "El Matador," defeated Max Holloway via knockout (KO) at the 1:34 mark of the third round.

This was a monumental moment in the sport for two critical reasons:

  1. Holloway's First KO Loss: Despite a career filled with wars against the featherweight division's elite, including three fights with Alexander Volkanovski and battles with Dustin Poirier, Holloway had never been officially knocked out in his professional MMA career. Topuria’s powerful left hook shattered that legendary durability, a testament to the champion's elite finishing ability.
  2. Title Retention: Topuria successfully defended the UFC Featherweight Title, solidifying his reign after initially capturing the belt from Alexander Volkanovski earlier in the year. The win over a legend like Holloway cemented him as the undisputed king of the 145-pound division.

The BMF Title Controversy and Holloway's Next Move

The aftermath of UFC 308 was immediately clouded by the status of the BMF (Baddest Motherf*cker) title, which Holloway had won with a spectacular knockout of Justin Gaethje.

BMF Title Status: Still "Blessed"

Despite Topuria’s KO victory, the BMF title was not on the line at UFC 308. UFC President Dana White later confirmed that Max Holloway remains the BMF champion, though White expressed regret for not making it a double-title fight.

Ilia Topuria, however, immediately declared himself the true BMF champion, even posing with both the Featherweight belt and a mock BMF title after the fight. This created a compelling, if unofficial, dual-champion narrative that has fueled the desire for a rematch.

The Charles Oliveira Detour

With Topuria holding the featherweight gold, Holloway's immediate future lies with the BMF strap. Max Holloway is officially scheduled to defend his BMF title against former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira at UFC 326 on March 7, 2025.

This rematch of their 2015 bout is a major lightweight division event, proving Holloway's willingness to compete against the best at 155 pounds and keep his momentum rolling after the Topuria loss. A win over "Do Bronxs" would not only defend his BMF status but also keep him firmly in the conversation for a lightweight title shot or a massive rematch with Topuria.

The Long Road to a Rematch: Topuria's Hiatus

The most significant roadblock to an immediate rematch between these two superstars is Ilia Topuria's current status. Just weeks after his historic win, Topuria announced he would be taking an extended break from competition.

A Surprising Break for "El Matador"

Topuria confirmed that he will not be fighting in the first quarter of 2026, with some reports suggesting his hiatus could last until April 2026. The reason cited is "personal family matters" and a "private situation," though specific details have not been disclosed.

This decision means the featherweight division is in a holding pattern. While Topuria has not vacated the title, his absence will force the UFC to make a decision regarding an interim title or a new challenger for when he eventually returns to the octagon.

The Future of the Featherweight Division

The Topuria vs. Holloway rematch is undoubtedly one of the biggest fights the UFC can make. Holloway's legendary status, combined with the controversial BMF status and the desire to avenge his first-ever KO loss, makes the second fight a guaranteed blockbuster.

However, the timeline hinges entirely on Topuria's return. Max Holloway's focus is now on Charles Oliveira at UFC 326. If Holloway wins, he could return to the featherweight division to challenge a potential interim champion, or he could wait patiently for Ilia Topuria. The narrative remains: Max Holloway must defeat Oliveira to maintain his elite standing and keep the pressure on Topuria for the most anticipated rematch in the sport.

The current situation is a complex web of titles, setbacks, and personal decisions. The world of MMA must wait for "El Matador" to return, but when he does, the stage will be set for a second clash with "Blessed" Holloway, a fight that will determine the undisputed king of two divisions and settle the BMF debate once and for all.

max holloway ilia topuria
max holloway ilia topuria

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