The Vederweight Division experienced a huge commotion earlier this week when it was announced that Ilia Topuria is leaving the belt.
After having dethroned Alexander Volkanovski on UFC 298 last February, Ilia Topuria further increased his star power when he became the first hunter to eliminate Max Holloway on UFC 308.
After the fight, Topuria stood opposite Volkanovski in the cage, suggesting that the two would rematch afterwards.
Although that fight is originally the target for UFC 314 in Miami in April, UFC Boss, Dana White announced earlier this week that Topuria has left the featherweight title and will permanently move to 155 pounds.
With 'El Matador' left the title after he claimed that he did everything he can do on 145 pounds and that the weight cut demanded too much of a toll, the door has left open for various contenders.
Read more: Khabib Nurmagomedov explains why Ilia Topuria does not deserve the title shot of Islam Makhachev after leaving the UFC belt
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
Max Holloway closes featherweight relocation after the title holiday
After the announcement of the switch from Topuria to lightweight, White announced that Volkanovski will fight against Diego Lopes for the empty title in the UFC 314 Main Event, giving 'The Great' a different chance of UFC Gold.
The movement of Topuria, however, could also have opened the door for 'blessed' Holloway, who was the last hunter to compete for the belt.
After his loss for the 28-year-old Holloway revealed that he moved permanently to 155 pounds, after he had demanded the BMF title against Justin Gaethje earlier last year.
Although there would be a chance for Holloway to regain the title of featherweight after the move from Topuria, he has closed the potential of stay at 145 pounds.
“Fat -printed prediction! Max Holloway has the belt again towards the end of the year … The exit of Topuria gives some leeway for a return to featherweight for Max? “A fan commented on X.
What is the next step for Max Holloway and when will he return?
After he has confirmed that he will not stay in featherweight after 'El Matador's Moving Up, his fans wondered what the next one could be for the 33-year-old.
Because Holloway confirms that he will also move permanently to 155 pounds, he has admitted that he would be a rematch against Topuria on lightweight.
It is unlikely that a rematch between the two stars will happen immediately and Topuria will probably fight for the title immediately, despite the fact that Makhachev and Khabib are against that idea.
Holloway expects a return to the Octagon this summer with potential opponents, including Charles Oliveira, Arman Tsarukyan and Dustin Poirier.
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