Max Holloway Fires Back at Ilia Topuria’s BMF Belt Photo Op: “Doesn’t Make Any Sense”

The MMA world got a little spicier this week when featherweight champion Ilia Topuria decided to play dress-up with a BMF belt that isn’t his. Max Holloway, the actual BMF titleholder, has some thoughts about it – and they’re not exactly complimentary.

Insert image of Max Holloway with the BMF belt after UFC 300 here

Holloway Baffled by Topuria’s Belt Theatrics

When I first saw the photos of Ilia Topuria posing with a BMF championship belt, I had to do a double-take. Wait, didn’t Max Holloway just defend that very title against Dustin Poirier? Yes, yes he did.

Holloway, fresh off his spectacular decision victory over Poirier at UFC 302, didn’t mince words when asked about Topuria’s photoshoot:

“I don’t know what he’s doing with that belt. It doesn’t make any sense,” said Holloway in a recent interview. “That’s like me going to the store, buying a replica belt, and taking pictures with it. The real one is sitting right here with me.”

The Tale of the Tape: Real Champion vs. Pretender

The Brewing Featherweight Storm

This belt drama is just the latest chapter in what’s becoming an increasingly heated rivalry. Topuria, who captured the featherweight title by knocking out Alexander Volkanovski, has been on a collision course with Holloway for months.

The timing of Topuria’s photoshoot isn’t coincidental. It’s a clear message to Holloway: “I’m coming for everything you have.”

And boy, does this add fuel to an already blazing fire!

What This Means for UFC’s 145-Pound Division

You might be wondering what this means for the featherweight division. Simply put, we’re witnessing the perfect storm brewing for what could be one of the biggest title fights of 2024.

Holloway, despite his recent BMF adventures, has made it clear he hasn’t abandoned his featherweight ambitions. Meanwhile, Topuria is looking to build his legacy by taking out one of the division’s all-time greats.

Insert image of Ilia Topuria with his featherweight championship belt here

Fans React to the Belt Controversy

MMA Twitter (sorry, X) exploded following Topuria’s photos, with reactions ranging from amusement to confusion to outright mockery.

One fan wrote: “Imagine pretending to have a belt you didn’t win. That’s like me putting on a Halloween costume and calling myself Batman.”

Another chimed in: “Holloway vs. Topuria is going to be absolute fire after all this trolling.”

Will This Lead to a BMF vs. Featherweight Champ Superfight?

I’ve been covering MMA for years, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that these kinds of rivalries often lead to blockbuster matchups. The UFC loves nothing more than genuine animosity between fighters – it sells pay-per-views better than any promotional video ever could.

UFC CEO Dana White hasn’t officially announced Holloway vs. Topuria, but all signs point to this showdown happening sooner rather than later. And when it does, you can bet both belts will be discussed as potential stakes.

What’s Next for Both Champions?

Holloway is likely taking some well-deserved time off after his war with Poirier, but he’s made it clear he wants that featherweight title shot next.

Topuria, meanwhile, seems to be doing everything he can to get under Holloway’s skin – a strategy that appears to be working quite effectively.

One thing’s for certain: when these two eventually meet in the octagon, the tension will be thick enough to cut with a knife.

The Bottom Line

At the end of the day, there’s only one legitimate BMF champion, and his name is Max Holloway. Topuria can take all the photos he wants with replica belts, but until he defeats Holloway in the cage, it’s nothing more than wishful thinking.

What do you think about Topuria’s belt photos? Is it clever marketing or a desperate grab for attention? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!

And if you’re as excited about this potential matchup as I am, be sure to subscribe for more updates as this rivalry continues to heat up.

Source: UFC Press Conference Statements, Fighter Social Media Accounts