UFC featherweight king Ilia Topuria just made it clear—he has no interest in Arman Tsarukyan, and instead has locked his sights on a much bigger target: the “Blessed” one himself, Max Holloway. In a dramatic turn of events that’s sent shockwaves across both the featherweight and lightweight divisions, Topuria publicly dismissed Tsarukyan’s callouts and launched a bombshell verbal assault on Holloway, signaling his intention to chase legacy, not rankings.

“Let Arman wait,” Topuria said in a post on his Instagram story. “I’m focused on legends. Max, where are you?”

With just a few words, Topuria lit the MMA world on fire, setting the stage for what could be the most explosive featherweight bout in years—a potential clash between the reigning champion and one of the most beloved fighters in UFC history.

Topuria’s Silence Toward Arman Speaks Volumes

It wasn’t long ago that Arman Tsarukyan, the surging lightweight contender, was campaigning loudly for attention. After a string of dominant wins, including a razor-close battle with Islam Makhachev and a statement victory over Charles Oliveira, Arman was hoping to draw Topuria into a future superfight.

But the Spanish-Georgian champ has gone dead silent on Tsarukyan—and fans have noticed. No response. No tease. No hint. Why?

Because Ilia Topuria is aiming higher.

“Fighting Arman would be settling,” said an MMA analyst on the UFC Roundtable. “Ilia wants legacy, history, headlines—not a technical grind with a rising lightweight.”

Target Acquired: Max Holloway

Topuria’s recent media appearances have revealed one clear truth: he wants Max Holloway next.

Not because Max is the top contender. Not because it’s the easiest path. But because beating Holloway means something.

“Max is the name that lives forever,” Topuria said in a recent interview. “He’s the real test. And I want that name on my record.”

This isn’t just a fight—it’s a statement. Max Holloway has fought the best of the best: Volkanovski, Aldo, Poirier, Ortega. He’s taken on killers across two divisions and has never backed down from a war.

By challenging Holloway, Topuria is asking for fire—and he’s daring to walk into it.

Max Responds With Classic Calm

It didn’t take long for Max Holloway to clap back—with that signature Hawaiian chill and unshakable confidence.

“If the kid wants it, I’m right here,” Max tweeted. “Just don’t cry when it gets real.”

That tweet alone sent the MMA community into a frenzy. Could this actually happen? Could the king of the featherweights face the man many consider the featherweight GOAT?

According to UFC insiders—this fight is very real, and very possible.

Dana White’s Dream Fight?

UFC President Dana White has often said he loves matchups that combine hype, heat, and history—and Topuria vs Holloway checks all the boxes.

• Topuria: Undefeated. Fresh champion. Power. Swagger.

• Holloway: Beloved veteran. Granite chin. Record-breaking pace. Fan-favorite.

“This is one of those fights you headline a pay-per-view with. Doesn’t even need a belt,” said Daniel Cormier on his podcast. “It’s violence. It’s legacy. It’s everything.”

If Dana wants a guaranteed sellout, this is the fight to make.

The Stakes: More Than Gold

For Ilia Topuria, fighting and beating Max Holloway would be a massive validation. While he dismantled Alexander Volkanovski to win the belt, some critics still questioned whether Ilia had fought enough elite contenders to be crowned a great.

Max Holloway is the litmus test.

For Holloway, this is the chance to climb back to title glory—or possibly pass the torch in what could be a fight-of-the-year contender. Either way, he has nothing to lose—and everything to prove.

“Max has fought the best version of everyone,” said UFC commentator Jon Anik. “And now Topuria wants to know if he can hang with that level of pressure. We all want to see it.”

Arman Left in the Dust

As the MMA world salivates over a Topuria vs. Holloway showdown, Arman Tsarukyan seems to have been completely sidelined. And while his fans are frustrated, others believe this might actually help him—giving him more time to solidify his position at lightweight before any superfight happens.

Still, Arman hasn’t kept quiet.

“Ilia’s scared. He knows he can’t wrestle with me,” Tsarukyan said during a podcast interview. “Max is a distraction.”

But is it really fear? Or is it strategy?

Topuria knows that timing is everything in the UFC. Beating Max Holloway launches him into superstardom in a way a technical war with Arman never could.

And that’s what this is about—not just wins, but legacy.

Ilia’s Era of Domination—Or a Blessed Reality Check?

If the UFC books this fight—and signs are pointing to it being targeted for late 2025—fans could be witnessing a generational war.

• Topuria: precision, knockout power, and undefeated swagger.

• Holloway: volume, durability, and the heart of a warrior.

It’s the kind of stylistic clash that defines eras, like McGregor vs. Aldo, or Jones vs. DC.

Will Topuria cement himself as a legend killer?

Or will Holloway remind the world that he’s still the beating heart of the featherweight division?

Final Thoughts: The Bomb Has Dropped—Now We Wait

With Ilia Topuria publicly ignoring Arman Tsarukyan and throwing a bombshell challenge at Max Holloway, the UFC has been handed a golden storyline—young lion vs battle-hardened warrior.

And Topuria, with all the cocky confidence and deadly talent, has once again proven he’s not just fighting for belts—he’s fighting for immortality.

Max vs. Ilia. Fire vs. Ice. Youth vs. Legacy.

Get ready. Because when this fight happens—the octagon won’t be big enough to contain it.