No More Avoiding: Holloway Officially Calls Out Ilia Topuria After UFC 318 Victory

Max Holloway reminded the world at UFC 318 why he’s still one of the most dangerous and beloved fighters on the planet. In a high-stakes trilogy bout against Dustin Poirier, Holloway delivered a stunning performance, silencing the New Orleans crowd and avenging his UFC 236 loss to “The Diamond.” But the post-fight celebration was short-lived. Holloway’s emotional octagon interview quickly turned the spotlight to a very personal target: Ilia Topuria — the only man to knock him out.

“For doing what he did to me. The first man to [knock me out]. Of course I want revenge,” Holloway said, raw and candid in his post-fight chat with Carlos Contreras Legaspi, captured by Championship Rounds.

And just like that, the seeds for a high-stakes rematch were planted — one that could become one of the most compelling UFC storylines of the year.

Holloway Closes a Chapter, But Another One Opens

It was supposed to be Dustin Poirier’s farewell night, a celebration of a storied career in front of a passionate Louisiana crowd. But Max Holloway stole the spotlight, putting on a clinical performance that left no room for debate. His speed, volume, and signature pressure broke Poirier down round after round, and the final bell saw Holloway with his hand raised and another legacy-defining victory added to his résumé.

While the post-fight moment was emotional — with Holloway showing deep respect for Poirier — the fire in his voice shifted when Ilia Topuria’s name was mentioned.

Holloway Has Not Forgotten

The first clash between Max Holloway and Ilia Topuria ended in shocking fashion. The Spaniard became the first man to ever knock Holloway out, a feat no one had accomplished during the Hawaiian’s long and storied UFC career. That knockout was more than a loss — it was a shift in narrative. Topuria wasn’t just a new star — he became the boogeyman who broke the unbreakable.

And Holloway? He has not let that go.

“He has names and he beat the names — you can’t deny that,” Holloway said during fight week.
“But Charles was on a 1-fight win streak. At the end of the day, they’re just names. UFC is lining them up and he’s just knocking them down.”

Clearly, Holloway isn’t convinced by Topuria’s undefeated aura.

A Rematch That Checks Every Box

From a promotional standpoint, a rematch between Holloway and Topuria checks every box:

✅ Revenge angle: The only man to knock Holloway out. That loss still stings, and Holloway wants it back.
✅ Marketability: Fan-favorite Holloway vs. undefeated knockout artist Topuria? Guaranteed attention.
✅ Legitimacy: Holloway is coming off a huge win. Topuria is holding gold. The timing couldn’t be better.
✅ Storyline depth: This isn’t just a contender climbing the ranks. It’s personal. It’s emotional. It’s a legacy fight.

Should the UFC choose to book this bout, the stakes will be massive — especially if it’s for a title. A Holloway win would mark one of the great redemption arcs in UFC history. A Topuria win would cement his status as a true generational force.

What’s at Stake for Ilia Topuria?

The current UFC featherweight champion, Ilia Topuria, is riding high. Undefeated. Finishing big names. Talking boldly. But the shadow of Max Holloway looms large. His win over Holloway may have been career-defining, but a rematch carries serious risk — and serious reward.

If Topuria declines the rematch or takes another route, questions will swirl. Was it a fluke? Is he avoiding the war? But if he accepts? He has a chance to beat Holloway twice, solidifying his dominance and silencing any remaining doubters.

Could It Happen at Lightweight?

Interestingly, Holloway’s performance against Poirier at UFC 318 came at lightweight, opening the door to possibilities across two divisions. Would a rematch with Topuria happen at featherweight for the belt? Or could the UFC explore a catchweight or lightweight superfight that adds even more intrigue?

Holloway’s stock has skyrocketed with this win. He now finds himself with options — and the UFC knows how to capitalize on momentum.

Fan Reaction: The People Want It

Following UFC 318, social media exploded with calls for Holloway vs. Topuria 2. Fans rallied behind Holloway’s post-fight callout, echoing sentiments like:

“Run it back!”
“Max deserves revenge.”
“Topuria’s biggest test is still Holloway.”
“The rematch could headline a pay-per-view tomorrow.”

The appetite is there. The narrative is rich. And both fighters, at their peaks, offer something the UFC can’t ignore: unfiltered, elite violence with legacy implications.

Conclusion: A Superfight Waiting to Happen

Max Holloway walked into UFC 318 a veteran with something to prove. He walked out looking reborn — hungrier, sharper, and more dangerous than ever. His victory over Dustin Poirier was more than a win — it was a statement. And his post-fight callout of Ilia Topuria lit the fuse on a fight that could define the next year of UFC competition.

For Holloway, it’s not about the belt — it’s about redemption.

For Topuria, it’s not about protecting the record — it’s about cementing greatness.

And for fans? It’s about witnessing two of the best warriors of this era write the next chapter of a rivalry already etched in blood.

Max Holloway vs. Ilia Topuria II.
Book it, Dana.