Max Holloway responded to his former opponent’s recent social media statement.
It was reported on Wednesday that Ilia Topuria wouldn’t be making his return early in 2026 like many fans had hoped for.
The undefeated lightweight champion is considered one of the most important stars on the roster, which made him a probable candidate to be a component of the UFC’s schedule once they move to Paramount+ in the beginning of 2026.
Topuria’s own post about his plans confirmed that it should be several months before we see him back contained in the Octagon to defend his title for the primary time.
After ‘El Matador’ shared the reasoning behind this delay, he received some kind words from an opponent that he locked horns with in 2024.
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Who should get the following lightweight title shot?
Max Holloway reaches out to Ilia Topuria following his delayed UFC return
Within the predominant event of UFC 308, Ilia Topuria knocked out Max Holloway to provide the one and only defense of his featherweight title.
Each Holloway and Topuria have taken shots at each other since they went head-to-head in some of the highly-anticipated fights of 2024.
Nonetheless, that didn’t stop the reigning BMF champion from sharing a message of support to his former opponent.
After Topuria said that “a difficult moment in his personal life” is the explanation why returning to the UFC isn’t his priority right away, Holloway was in a position to relate to the primary man to knock him out.
‘Blessed’ wrote back a sympathetic message on X, temporarily burying the hatchet along with his fellow lightweight.
“Sorry to listen to champ,” Holloway wrote. “If it’s what I’m hearing it’s I do know the struggle first hand attempting to fight while protecting your kids. Hope all goes well.”
“Thanks for the support, brother,” Topuria responded. “All one of the best for you and your loved ones.”
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Ilia Topuria’s next opponent will likely be decided at UFC 324
While Ilia Topuria has made it clear that his goal is to maneuver up a weight class to challenge Islam Makhachev, it doesn’t seem likely that the UFC will grant him this.
The champion’s decision to delay his return has led to the creation of an interim title, with the winner likely occurring to face ‘El Matador’ in an enormous unification bout.
Paddy Pimblett vs Justin Gaethje within the predominant event of UFC 324 on January 24 was just considered one of several huge bouts that Dana White made official on November 27.
Every fight announced for UFC 324 to date 🔥
If ‘The Baddy’ is in a position to develop into the interim champion, there’ll seemingly be no debate that he shall be the following man to face Topuria.