Ilia Topuria sets sights on double champ status after UFC 308 clash with Max Holloway

Ilia Topuria last entered the octagon in February when he defeated Alexander Volkanovski via second-round knockout to capture the featherweight title at UFC 298. He is set to make his return in just under two weeks when he will attempt to defend the belt for the first time against Max Holloway at UFC 308. 'El Matador' recently revealed that he hopes to pursue double champ status after the bout.

Speaking to Ariel Helwani on his new self-titled show, Topuria was asked how many fights he believes he needs to chase a second belt. He responded:

"How many fights? I can do it after this one. After this one. I want to do it. I want to do it. I want to do it, but the thing is what the UFC wants me to do. Because at the end of the day, I'm a fighter and that's my job. And they know better than me who I should fight. So, if they tell me that they are okay that I'm going to move to 155, I will do it. Because I want to do it."

Topuria added:

"It's easier for me, the weight cut. I felt very good at that weight. I already did it. I already fought at 155 in London against Jai Herbert. So, I felt really good so I want to do it once again and for the world title because I don't want to do it with any different opponent."

Check out Ilia Topuria's comments on chasing double champ status below (22:39):

Topuria has been quite vocal about believing that he would defeat Islam Makhachev if allowed to challenge for double champ status. It is unlikely that a bout will come to fruition after just one title defense, however, as both champions have work to do in their respective divisions.

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Ilia Topuria claims Max Holloway attempted to avoid him for a lightweight opponent

Ilia Topuria recently accused Max Holloway of attempting to avoid a featherweight title bout to face a lightweight opponent. He was asked if there was any truth to his claims during his recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show. In reply, he said:

"I choose who I want to fight next and I said I want to fight Max Holloway. And they told me he's asking to stay in the 155 [pound] division to fight with Michael Chandler. I don't know. He asked about many, many guys and when they told him, 'no, Max, you have to fight with Ilia because he wants to fight you', so, finally, he had to accept it, but in the beginning, he was trying really hard to avoid me."

Check out Ilia Topuria's full comments on Max Holloway avoiding him below (39:00):

Topuria claimed that Holloway was lying when he shared that he asked for the matchup. The two will have the opportunity to settle the score, with the featherweight title on the line, on Oct. 26.