Max Holloway has weighed in on a future clash between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje.
Gaethje secured a lightweight title unification bout when he defeated Paddy Pimblett to become the interim UFC Lightweight Champion. Topuria, who has been on hiatus, recently cleared up some personal matters and has said he’s back in fight mode.
Holloway has shared the Octagon with both Topuria and Gaethje. During an interview with Stake.com, “Blessed” said that if Gaethje can lure Topuria into playing his game, anything can happen.
“You know, people seem to think that after Justin’s last fight, that means Ilia will win easily. I think sometimes you have to do what Justin did against Paddy. You have to make it ugly and put people in a fight, when they’re not used to that style. I think Justin made that fight look how he wanted it to look, and congrats to him. I’d love to get that one back against Ilia, and I know Justin would love to get the one back against me, so whoever wins, I think I’m in a great position.”
UFC has yet to make Topuria vs. Gaethje official. Many are expecting an announcement to be made soon given that it’s now the clear bout to make with Arman Tsarukyan on the outside looking in.
Holloway might very well be one step closer to facing the winner of Topuria vs. Gaethje again depending on how his UFC 326 bout goes on March 7. “Blessed” will be facing Charles Oliveira with the BMF Championship at stake. The two had a bout that ended prematurely back in 2015. Oliveira suffered a micro-tear in his esophagus, causing the fight to be stopped quickly.
Can Justin Gaethje find a way to pull off the upset over Ilia Topuria? Join in on the conversation in the comments below.
