Ilia Topuria (right)(image via UFC/Twitter)

By FCF Staff

Ilia Topuria is already thinking about what he wants next, if he becomes featherweight champion at UFC 298.

The rising and undefeated fighter is book to face champion Alexander Volkanovski at the February 17th card. Topuria (14-0) has been tapped for a title shot after winning all six of his UFC bouts to date.

Volkanvoski (26-3), meanwhile, is coming off a stoppage loss to lightweight champion Islam Makhachev last month.

Recently, the 26-year-old Topuria appeared on The OverDogs Podcast. While discussing Volkanovski’s last outing, and his plans for 2024, Topuria relayed he wants to fight Max Holloway in his first title defense (quotes via MMA Fighting).

“For me, what happened in his last fight doesn’t change anything,” Topuria said. “I know the result will be the same, training is the same, the focus is the same. I’m going to train for the best in the world, and I’m pretty sure I’m going to get that win…”

“So, that’s what I think is going to happen that I’m going to beat ‘Volk’ on February 17 and then I’m going to fight Max Holloway here in Spain. That’s my goal right now, and I think it’s going to happen.”

Holloway(25-7) is coming off a KO win over Chan Sung Jung in August and has won two straight, since he lost to Volkanvoski for the third time in July 2022.