Ilia Topuria Isn’t Sweating Max Holloway’s BMF Banter — "I Put Him to Sleep!"
Max Holloway may still be walking around with the BMF title, but Ilia Topuria isn't buying the hype — and honestly, he doesn't care one bit.
If you’re keeping score at home, here’s how things have played out. Max "Blessed" Holloway (27-8 MMA, 23-8 UFC) claimed the BMF (Baddest Motherf*****) title at UFC 300 back in April 2024, when he delivered a buzzer-beater knockout that flattened Justin Gaethje in one of the most memorable finishes in recent memory. The MMA world was stunned, jaws dropped, and the BMF belt — originally introduced to honor sheer grit and guts — suddenly had a new owner.
But then came UFC 308. Holloway stepped into the Octagon again, this time across from a beast on the rise — Ilia Topuria (17-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC). The fight was highly anticipated, but curiously, the BMF strap wasn’t on the line. That decision raised eyebrows across the MMA community. And when Topuria scored a vicious knockout win over Holloway, many fans began questioning: If Max just got flatlined, is he still the BMF?
Well, Holloway seemed to think so — at least in name.
Fast forward to UFC 318. Holloway secured a dominant unanimous decision win over Dustin Poirier in the main event, once again elevating his stock and flashing the BMF belt like it was untouchable. And after the fight, he didn’t hold back, throwing shade at Topuria, mocking him for parading around with what he called a “fake” version of the BMF belt.
Topuria Fires Back — And He's Not Playing Nice
But here's the thing — Ilia Topuria isn’t flinching. He’s not rattled, not insulted, and definitely not about to play Holloway’s verbal game.
In fact, he’s doubling down. Talking to the Nelk Boys, Topuria confidently shut down the BMF drama with one crystal-clear message:
"That’s not my problem," he shrugged. "I just knocked him out. How can you still be the BMF if I knocked you out? I pointed to the ground in the first 10 seconds. You ran away. Then I caught you anyway and I put you to sleep. And you’re still the BMF? How’s that?"
Oof. Shots fired.
Topuria didn’t just beat Holloway. He finished him — and he did it with flair, bravado, and a whole lot of style. For a guy who's still undefeated in professional MMA, it's hard to argue with his logic.
The BMF Belt: Bragging Rights or Real Gold?
Let’s pause for a second. What even is the BMF belt anymore?
When Jorge Masvidal and Nate Diaz fought for it in 2019, it was a novelty — a marketing stunt to celebrate toughness. But somehow, through sheer popularity and fan love, it stuck. And when Holloway knocked out Gaethje, he wore it like a badge of honor. The UFC didn't treat it like a regular championship title — but fans? They sure did.
And that’s what irks Topuria the most. In his mind, the belt is supposed to symbolize the baddest fighter out there — the guy who walks into any cage, any day, and brings war.
So how, he argues, can someone wear that title after being put to sleep?
What’s Next for "El Matador"?
Now that Topuria has firmly established himself as not just a top contender, but the guy to beat, all eyes are on what’s next. And no, he hasn’t been given official confirmation on his next bout — but the names being floated are turning heads.
Max Holloway is loudly campaigning for a rematch. After all, fighters with that kind of legacy don’t take knockouts lightly. UFC CEO Dana White has even teased the idea of running it back, this time with the BMF belt on the line for real. But nothing is set in stone yet.
Topuria, for his part, isn’t entirely convinced a rematch makes the most sense.
"I think they are going to try to push for Justin [Gaethje]," he said. "That’s what I think. Or maybe Paddy [Pimblett]. There’s not even a conversation about Arman [Tsarukyan]… he needs to fight."
Yep, you heard that right — Paddy Pimblett, the UFC's resident showman, is being thrown around as a potential opponent. It’s a matchup that would break the internet, sell out arenas, and bring serious eyeballs. But would it make sense competitively? That’s debatable.
Max’s Revenge Tour?
Max Holloway isn’t just calling for a rematch out of pride — he’s genuinely chasing redemption. At 32, the Hawaiian fan-favorite has nothing left to prove, but everything to gain from avenging the loss that sent shockwaves through the lightweight division.
His performance against Poirier was elite. It reminded the world that Holloway still has that gas tank, that crisp boxing, and that unmatched toughness. But can he flip the script against Topuria? That’s the million-dollar question.
Dana White seems intrigued, but the UFC brass has a reputation for matchmaking that blends fan demand, timing, and storyline momentum.
So while Holloway’s plea is loud and clear, it may not be enough.
What Makes Topuria So Dangerous?
Let’s not forget — Ilia Topuria isn’t just riding a lucky streak. The Georgian-Spanish fighter is undefeated for a reason. His fight IQ, knockout power, speed, and ability to dictate pace make him one of the most feared names in the UFC today.
Just ask his previous opponents. The guy isn’t just a striker or a grappler — he’s a complete, dangerous finisher.
He’s also got that rare it factor. Confidence. Swagger. The kind of presence that sells fights, commands pay-per-views, and leaves fans buzzing after every appearance.
In a world where belts are handed out and stripped quickly, Topuria is building something more enduring — a legacy.
🔥 Quick Hits: What’s Brewing in the Lightweight Mix?
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Max Holloway – Wants Topuria rematch, still holding the BMF belt.
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Justin Gaethje – Always ready for war, rumored next contender.
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Paddy Pimblett – Fan-favorite with marketing power, but needs a signature win.
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Arman Tsarukyan – Rising talent, but flying under the radar for now.
Final Word: Topuria’s Not Just Talking — He’s Backing It Up
Ilia Topuria’s message is loud and clear: Talk all you want, but don’t forget who put you to sleep.
Whether the UFC books a rematch with Max Holloway, pits him against Gaethje, or stirs the pot with Paddy, one thing’s for sure — Topuria will show up ready to dominate.
And BMF belt or not, he already sees himself as the real one walking tall.
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