Dana White has planned some exciting things for the remainder of 2024. Speaking at the UFC 302 post-fight press conference, the UFC President teased that the promotion is working on a fight for the BMF title. If you do the math, it all points toward a potential fight between Max Holloway and Ilia Topuria, with both the BMF title and the UFC Featherweight Championship on the line.
Max Holloway, who currently holds the BMF title, has several options after his KO win over Justin Gaethje earlier this year. While a section of fans want to see him fight against Islam Makhachev for the UFC Lightweight title, many think that the former champion should look to get his hands back on the featherweight title against Ilia Topuria.
As for Dana White, he thinks the latter is a better option.
Dana White is not in favor of Islam Makhachev vs Max Holloway
For those who might be interested in Makhachev vs Holloway after the Dagestani fighter’s spectacular win over Dustin Poirier via submission in the fifth round at UFC 302 last night, Dana White is not on board with the idea.
Responding to whether or not Makhachev should fight for the BMF title, here’s what he had to say. “We are working on the BMF title right now, yes, but you know, Islam is one of the greatest fighters in the world ever in that division and one of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters in the world.” He said.
On the contrary, White expressed his interest in a fight between Makhachev and Tsarukyan next. “But the Tsarukyan fight is what we like, and that’s the fight we want to do.”
Meanwhile, Makhachev has clearly stated that he wants to move up a division and fight Leon Edwards for the 170 lbs title in an attempt to become a two-division champion. “It’s my dream, I want to fight for the second belt. I want to feel that energy again. Because when you defend your belt, it’s not same. I want new one.” Makhachev said during the post-fight Octagon interview.
Max Holloway vs Ilia Topuria might be next
While White may not be in favour of Makhachev fighting for the BMF title, he certainly has no problem with Ilia Topuria calling out Max Holloway for the BMF title. “No it doesn’t rub me at all. I love that people love that belt, want to fight for it. I love it.”
Safe to say, the needle is moving towards a potential showdown between Topuria and Holloway, but there’s a reason to believe that the UFC could introduce a new BMF title for a different division. It seems like an idea that makes sense, but truth be told, there are not a lot of options available to make a BMF title fight in any other division.
Be that as it may, a potential fight between Holloway vs Volkanovski for the BMF title is also an exciting option, however, it’s one that might not capture a lot of eyeballs considering both the fighters have already fought each other on multiple occasions in the past.
With the UFC eyeing an event inside The Sphere in Las Vegas, and the yearly ritual of a massive PPV inside the Madison Square Garden, rest assured, there a lot of exciting fights set for the remainder of 2024.