Topuria Backs McGregor to Beat Holloway After 13 Years, Calls Fight S*****
Updated
Updated · Sports Illustrated · May 24
Topuria Backs McGregor to Beat Holloway After 13 Years, Calls Fight S*****
2 articles · Updated · Sports Illustrated · May 24
Ilia Topuria said Conor McGregor should beat Max Holloway in their July 11 UFC 329 rematch, even with betting odds favoring Holloway 13 years after their first meeting.
Topuria tied that pick to his own plans: if he unifies the lightweight title against Justin Gaethje on June 14 and McGregor keeps winning, he wants a future showdown with the Irish star.
The champion still dismissed McGregor-Holloway as a poor matchup, saying both men are past their primes and predicting a stand-up fight with little wrestling or grappling.
That view reflects recent form: Topuria knocked out Holloway at UFC 308 in October 2024, while McGregor is returning from a five-year layoff after losing three of his last four fights.
Can McGregor's star power overcome a five-year layoff and doping ban in his high-stakes UFC return?
What does hosting a UFC title fight on the White House lawn signal about the future of major sporting events?
Why would a champion call his desired next fight 'two kittens touching' while still actively pursuing the matchup?