Ilia Topuria: Two Weeks from UFC 317 Glory, But One Opponent Always on His Mind

The fighting world’s eyes are locked on UFC 317, where Ilia Topuria stands on the precipice of making history. Just 14 days separate “El Matador” from his chance to become the latest UFC double-champion when he faces Charles Oliveira on August 3rd. But even as this career-defining moment approaches, there’s another shadow that looms large over Topuria’s career – one that seems impossible to escape.

The Unfinished Business That Haunts Topuria

I’ve been covering MMA for years, and few rivalries have the genuine heat we’re seeing between Topuria and featherweight legend Max Holloway. Despite Topuria’s laser focus on capturing Oliveira’s lightweight belt, it’s Holloway who continues to occupy valuable mental real estate in the champion’s mind.

“Holloway can wait his turn,” Topuria told me during last week’s media obligations. “I have business at lightweight first, but trust me, we will settle this. That belt belongs to me, and I’ll defend it against anyone.”

But the intensity in his eyes when discussing Holloway tells a different story. This isn’t just another potential defense – it’s personal.

A Tale of Two Champions: The Collision Course

The brewing storm between these two knockout artists has been building since Topuria dethroned Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298, claiming the 145-pound throne in spectacular fashion. Holloway’s subsequent BMF title victory over Justin Gaethje – capped by that instantly legendary pointing knockout in the final seconds – only poured gasoline on an already blazing rivalry.

You can feel the tension every time these two occupy the same digital space, trading barbs on social media that feel less like promotion and more like genuine animosity.

The Dual-Championship Dream First

Before Topuria can settle his score with Holloway, he must overcome the significant challenge that is Charles Oliveira. The Brazilian submission specialist holds the UFC record for finishes (20) and represents a stylistic nightmare for many fighters.

Yet Topuria exudes a confidence that borders on prophecy when discussing his chances:

“Oliveira is dangerous, yes. But he’s never faced someone like me,” Topuria explained during the UFC 317 press conference. “I see holes in his game that I will exploit. I respect his journey, but this is my time.”

Why The Holloway Fight Means Everything

For all of Topuria’s championship aspirations, the potential showdown with Holloway represents something more meaningful than just another title defense. It’s about legitimacy.

Despite holding gold, whispers persist about Topuria catching Volkanovski at the perfect moment after the former champion’s brutal knockout loss to Islam Makhachev. A definitive victory over Holloway – a man many consider the greatest featherweight ever despite his losses to Volkanovski – would silence those doubts permanently.

For Holloway, it’s about reclaiming what many believe he never truly lost. The Hawaiian remains the people’s champion at 145 pounds, and his recent resurgence has only strengthened his claim to another title opportunity.

Two Paths, One Inevitable Conclusion

Whether Topuria succeeds or fails in his lightweight quest, the collision course with Holloway feels destined. UFC matchmakers rarely get opportunities to book fights with such perfect narrative tension and stylistic intrigue.

Both men possess exceptional striking, iron chins, and the rare ability to adjust mid-fight. The difference? Topuria carries the one-punch knockout power that has eluded Holloway throughout his career – until that Gaethje moment changed everything.

What’s Next For Both Men?

If Topuria defeats Oliveira, expect the UFC to fast-track the Holloway defense while his star power is at its peak. The promotion rarely allows dual-champions to defend both belts for long, and the featherweight division can’t remain on hold indefinitely.

Should Topuria fall short against Oliveira, the Holloway bout becomes even more critical – a chance to reestablish dominance in his original weight class after a setback.

For now, though, all we can do is wait as these two generational talents continue on their collision course, with Topuria’s immediate focus necessarily on the Brazilian legend standing in his path to double-champion status.

The Bigger Picture

As fans, we’re witnessing something special in real time. The featherweight division has never been more compelling, with Alexander Volkanovski still very much in the mix and rising contenders like Movsar Evloev and Diego Lopes making their claims.

But make no mistake – it’s Topuria and Holloway who command the spotlight, and their inevitable showdown promises to be one of the most anticipated featherweight clashes in UFC history.

For now, Topuria must navigate the treacherous waters of fighting up a weight class against one of the most dangerous finishers the sport has ever seen. But even as he prepares for this monumental challenge, you can bet Holloway remains firmly lodged in the back of his mind – the one opponent he can never quite escape.

What do you think? Is Topuria looking past Oliveira by keeping Holloway in his sights? Or is this the kind of rivalry that transcends immediate challenges? Let me know in the comments below!

Source: UFC.com