Max Holloway vs Ilia Topuria: Injury, BMF Belt, and What’s Next?

Max Holloway Hand Injury Likely Delays Octagon Return Until 2026

Max Holloway won’t return to the Octagon again in 2025. According to the Hawaiian fighter, his main event at UFC 319 against Dustin Poirier will be his only bout this year.

The reason is simple: a hand injury sustained during his intense five-round battle with Poirier.

Holloway Gives Injury Update After UFC 319

While Holloway hasn’t shared full details yet, he did offer a general update on his current situation:

“Dustin really is like a diamond — my right hand still hurts. I know a lot of people are talking about who my next opponent might be… but if anyone hoped I’d fight again this year, that’s probably not going to happen. I’ll visit a specialist this week. I’ve already seen my doctor, but now I need to see a specialist. The chances of another fight this year don’t look very good.”

No Clear Opponent in Sight

When it comes to his next fight, Holloway says it’s too early to speculate. Things may change dramatically before he returns.

“I can’t tell you what’s next. This stupid injury set me back. But even if I wasn’t injured, there’s still a lot of chaos going on [about matchups].”

Holloway Questions Topuria’s Title Shot and Claims BMF Belts Are Rightfully His

Fans argue that a rematch between Max Holloway and Ilia Topuria doesn’t make sense. After all, they’ve already fought, and Topuria got the job done. But Holloway challenges the logic behind awarding Topuria a title shot now.

“People are saying a second fight between me and Ilia doesn’t add up because we already fought, and he did what he did. But at the same time, how do you justify giving a title shot to someone I already fought — I did what I did — and now he gets a title fight after winning just one bout? Most people don’t understand anything about how this sport works.”

Still, Holloway remains focused on the opportunities ahead. The lightweight division, he says, is packed with excitement.

“We’ll see what happens. There are so many fun and big fights in this division. Lightweight is one of the most competitive weight classes, and I’d be happy with any of them.”

Of course, the debate over the BMF belt came up again — a title both Holloway and Topuria have claimed in public.

“As for Ilia and the people saying the BMF belt belongs to him… last I checked, my BMF belts weren’t bought — I earned them. Not once, but twice. In our first fight, the BMF belt wasn’t even on the line, so I really don’t know what all that talk is based on.”

“I get it — this is the entertainment business. But at the end of the day, it’s all about legacy.

And if Ilia wants to keep building his legacy — if he really wants the BMF belt — I’m right here. Dana White even said recently that the belt should be on the line in our next fight…”