By FCF Staff

Max Holloway isn’t far removed from a knockout loss to Ilia Topuria. But, following his latest win at UFC 318, Alexander Volkanovski believes the legend has already earned a rematch with the new lightweight champ.

Holloway faced Dustin Poirier in the headliner of UFC 318, and defended the ceremonial BMF title via a unanimous decision victory. The bout marked the first time Holloway had competed since he was knocked out by Topuria last October, when both men were still fighting at featherweight.

Following Saturday’s card, Volkanovski weighed-in on Holloway’s future via his YouTube channel. The current featherweight champ believes “Blessed” has already made the case for a shot at the lightweight crown (quotes via MMA Fighting).

“I know Max just fought him, but now it’s at lightweight where they both sort of want to be,” Volkanovski said. “You’ve got to think of who Max beat at lightweight. You’ve gotta go off the lightweight fights. Max beat Justin Gaethje, who I think is the No. 1 contender, and Poirier, who just fought for the title. So he literally beat the two top guys, the two main guys that you usually need to beat to get the title shot. That’s his only fights in lightweight — his streak right now — and it’s against the two top guys. You’d say he’s next. You would think so.“

Since Topuria won the lightweight title last month at UFC 317, by knocking out Charles Oliveira, he has repeatedly talked about facing his rival, Paddy Pimblett. But, it’s not clear at this time who the UFC will book to face the new champ next.

Holloway won the BMF title in April, 2024, by knocking out Gaethje with one second left in their thrilling, five-round fight.