Morning Report: Ilia Topuria calls Max Holloway’s UFC 300 win ‘nothing special,’ says ‘he is a really easy fight’

Max Holloway couldn’t be any extra becoming of the BMF title after his efficiency at UFC 300. Nevertheless, the reigning undisputed UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria doesn’t count on it to translate again to a run for the “Blessed” Hawaiian.

It’s actually bizarre having to mentally separate Holloway from a “regular” championship standing as a result of he really does really feel like one once more after his fifth-round BMF title buzzer-beater knockout of Justin Gaethje this previous weekend. That is the primary time the “gimmick” belt has felt like a respectable championship, and that’s no offense to Gaethje’s wonderful second-round head kick win over Dustin Poirier at UFC 291 final July. Holloway merely went to the subsequent stage in a distinct weight class, steadily outstriking his solution to an absurd on the spot traditional victory over a Prime 3 contender in mentioned weight class. The struggle all of us needed so unhealthy met expectations and arguably surpassed them.

As a lot because the world would possibly like to see a “Blessed” light-weight run, the person has choices, as he mentioned in his post-fight scrum. A title shot at 155 kilos is now a logical struggle after knocking off the controversial high contender. As a substitute, the division’s champion Islam Makhachev had his subsequent protection introduced to be Poirier at UFC 302 in June earlier than Holloway took the stage for his post-fight chat. That leaves him pondering a crack at reclaiming the primary title he ever held, the 145-pound gold strap now owned by Topuria.

“I’m actually completely happy as a result of we simply noticed Holloway win, so I simply realized I’ll have two belts as an alternative of 1,” Topuria informed ESPN Deportes’ Carlos Contreras Legaspi. “Let’s see. Nothing concrete, however there was an enormous likelihood that if walked out victorious of the octagon he may very well be subsequent. I’m undecided if he’s harm. I hope not so he can come again quickly and we will have a struggle.”

Holloway, 32, didn’t point out any severe accidents after his BMF title win however famous he’ll be on a 30-day medical suspension, which is primary protocol after fights. UFC CEO Dana White was additionally involved for Holloway’s leg after the quite a few leg kicks taken from Gaethje, and couldn’t imagine he was in a position to stroll.

The 27-year-old Topuria turned the champion by pulling off an enormous upset over longtime divisional kingpin Alexander Volkanovski with a second-round knockout at UFC 298 in February. It was Topuria’s fifteenth consecutive win as he’s but to lose in MMA. At featherweight, Volkanovski’s lone successor is “El Matador.” Coincidentally, Volkanovksi is the one fighter at 145 kilos since 2013 that Holloway hasn’t been in a position to get his hand raised over in three makes an attempt.

That knockout and closing 10-second sequence with Gaethje will dwell on perpetually for Holloway and struggle followers across the globe. As electrical and chaotic of a scene because it was, it didn’t impress Topuria one bit.

“Properly, it was good. Nothing particular to be trustworthy,” Topuria mentioned. “The ending was solely an trade of punches with none technique. Each simply throwing punches. Zero protection, fingers down, and that form of issues can occur however that’s one thing that might by no means occur with me as a result of I feel contained in the octagon.

“[Holloway] was speaking rather a lot through the week. It’s regular. It’s what he has to do. He must imagine he’s the very best. There isn’t any different manner on this sport. However the outcomes are clear. I did in 9 minutes [to Volkanosvki] what he was not in a position to do in 90 minutes. So, he can say no matter he needs, take pleasure in now, and prepare for what’s coming. He can do no matter he needs. He received’t be capable to change that.”

Topuria’s unwavering confidence led him to the promised land as he predicted lengthy earlier than his title struggle towards Volkanovski was even made official. We’ve seen the European evolve dramatically in his MMA profession upon arriving within the UFC in 2020. A powerful grappler, Topuria rapidly turned identified for his vicious hanging and knockout energy. A lot so that individuals typically neglect he has the grappling chops to help his phenomenal stand-up recreation.

A matchup between Topuria and Holloway is about as thrilling of a struggle that may be made going ahead after UFC 300. Finally, one must assume it’s totally as much as what the brand new BMF champion needs to do as a result of White mentioned the title “isn’t going wherever,” which leaves protection choices on the desk for the Hawaiian.

If we do get Topuria’s first protection towards Holloway, the champion expects to make it appear like the remainder of his profession.

“He’s a very easy struggle as regular,” Topuria mentioned. “I do know individuals will come at me for saying this. That is what I feel. I don’t see something particular. He’s primary. Too primary. That’s what I see.

“He doesn’t know what to do when he’s beneath strain, can’t stroll backward. Everyone is sweet after they have time to assume. When you possibly can stroll ahead, after they allow you to do no matter you need. Everybody is sweet there, however when you may have somebody who thinks, who counters, who assaults, who closes the angles, who throws energy punches, is correct, who can even wrestle, can take you to the bottom, has an unbreakable mentality, undefeated … Issues get very difficult.”

Subsequent. Ilia Topuria threatens to ship Max Holloway to the back of the line, Holloway responds

Problematic. Arman Tsarukyan explains trying to punch fan earlier than UFC 300 struggle, Dana White feedback

BMF. Max Holloway on pointing to canvas vs. Justin Gaethje, being counted out: ‘People needed to get reminded’

Absurd. Alex Pereira explains waving off referee Herb Dean, meme celebration after Jamahal Hill knockout

Cinema. Dana White praises Max Holloway for ‘ultimate holy s*** moment’ at UFC 300: ‘That’s like film s***’

Unimpressed. Bo Nickal rejects Khamzat Chimaev’s criticism of his UFC 300 win

Arrival. Kayla Harrison talks weight cut, responds to Amanda Nunes after UFC 300 win

Warrior. Justin Gaethje congratulates Max Holloway in first statement after surprising loss at UFC 300

Roast. Dana White mocks PFL promoting ‘purchase 2, get 2 free’ tickets: ‘You’re having a bad f****** week’

Do Bronx. Charles Oliveira laments not ending Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 300, vows to ‘come back stronger’

Clipped. Jamahal Hill releases first assertion after struggling knockout loss at UFC 300: ‘Got caught’

$$$. UFC 300 post-fight bonuses: Max Holloway will get his $600k bonus for legendary knockout

Aftermath. UFC 300: 10 biggest takeaways from an unforgettable night time in Las Vegas

Future. Holly Holm ‘lost all focus’ in loss to Kayla Harrison at UFC 300; Dana White needs her to retire

UFC 300 Submit Present.

On To the Subsequent One.

UFC 300 Submit-Combat Scrums.

Legendary.

The most recent Corridor of Fame inductee.

A Conorthon.

Full struggle.

Adesanya at 300.

Inside journeys.

Go to Twitter, use the #MorningReport hashtag, or discover one among my tweets with it, and drop me a jam you’re presently actually into. I’ll decide the very best one alongside my day by day alternative and provide you with a shoutout! You can too share within the feedback under — these are simply more durable to sift by typically!

Splat.

Scenes.

Math.

Sodiq.

Stunning the gangster.

Samurai type.

Simply what.

Strawweight insanity.

Poatan’s energy, man.

Elder abuse.

Champ vs. champ(s).

Subsequent up.

Hendad.

Right here it continues.

A Chael story.

Two of Japan’s most interesting.

Let’s celebration.

Islam Makhachev (25-1) vs. Dustin Poirier (30-8, 1 NC); UFC 302, June 1

Sean Strickland (28-6) vs. Paulo Costa (14-3); UFC 302, June 1

Conor McGregor (22-6) vs. Michael Chandler (23-8); UFC 303, June 29

Topuria’s demeanor looks like such an enormous distinction from any kind of opponent Holloway has had since… Conor McGregor? Even again then, Conor didn’t speak a lot trash towards Holloway, and if he did it was on nowhere close to the size he rapidly reached after that win. Topuria is immediately making this matchup far more intriguing out and in of the octagon.

Thanks for studying!

Final Week’s Outcomes:

Friday: 64% of 306 whole votes answered “Sure” when requested, “Will Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler be made official at UFC 300?” McGregor vs. Chandler was made official for UFC 303 on June 29 on the UFC 300 post-fight press convention.

Thursday: 56% of 361 whole votes answered “No” when requested, “Is UFC 300 the greatest MMA event ever assembled?”

Wednesday: 73% of 368 whole votes answered “Charles Oliveira” when requested, “Who wins this weekend?” Arman Tsarukyan defeated Oliveira through a break up resolution at UFC 300.

Tuesday: 72% of 411 whole votes answered “Alex Pereira” when requested, “Who wins this weekend?” Pereira defeated Jamahal Hill through a first-round knockout (punches)at 3:14 in UFC 300’s major occasion.

Monday: 72% of 253 whole votes answered “Justin Gaethje” when requested, “Who wins this weekend?” Max Holloway defeated Gaethje through a fifth-round knockout (punch) at 4:59 at UFC 300.

At the moment’s exit ballot:

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