Ilia Topuria has weighed in on the highly anticipated UFC 326 main event, a rematch featuring BMF champion Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira. Topuria previously faced Holloway for the featherweight title at UFC 308 in 2024, securing a third-round TKO and becoming the first fighter to knock out “Blessed.”
Following this victory, “El Matador” vacated his featherweight belt to ascend to the lightweight division. He then squared off against Charles Oliveira at UFC 317, where he delivered a stunning first-round knockout to claim the lightweight title, making him a two-division champion. Having shared the octagon with both formidable opponents, Topuria has now offered his insights and prediction for the UFC 326 main event.
Ilia Topuria Gives His Pick for UFC 326: Max Holloway vs. Charles Oliveira 2
Ilia Topuria expressed confidence that Max Holloway will emerge victorious at UFC 326. During a recent interview, the 29-year-old stated:
“I love Charles because of his personality. He’s such an amazing human being, but I think Max is taking it.”
However, Topuria also stressed the importance of never underestimating Charles Oliveira, widely recognized as one of the UFC’s most dangerous submission artists.
“But don’t count Charles out. He’s dangerous, and at any moment of the fight, he can submit you anytime.”
Next month at UFC 326, Holloway will be making his second defense of the BMF title. He has previously indicated a strong desire for a rematch with “El Matador” and is also eyeing two-division champion status, planning to pursue a lightweight title opportunity if he defeats “Do Bronxs.” Meanwhile, Topuria is expected to face interim champion Justin Gaethje in a title unification bout in the near future.
Ilia Topuria Names His Top 4 Boxers In The UFC
In the same discussion, Ilia Topuria was asked to name the best boxers currently competing in the UFC. His selections, in order, were:
- Max Holloway
- Aleksandre Topuria (Ilia’s brother)
- Petr Yan
- Alex Pereira
