Ilia Topuria, the current titleholder in the 145-pound division, openly demonstrates his strong self-esteem through his words and actions. Even before claiming the championship in February, Topuria was confidently talking up his skills and setting lofty goals for his future. He solidified his prowess by defeating Alexander Volkanovski and maintaining an unbeaten record. Recently, Topuria took to social media to express gratitude to the one individual he credits for his success – himself.
While the details of his first title defense are yet to be finalized, there is widespread speculation about a potential bout against Max Holloway in September. Holloway’s recent impressive win over Justin Gaethje has propelled him into the title contention conversation. As a former champion in multiple weight classes, Holloway has faced elite competitors in the sport and is now eyeing a victory over Topuria in 2024 to further bolster his legacy.
