Ilia Topuria’s physiotherapist reveals the UFC champion is entering fight camp
News about Ilia Topuria's next fight could be on the horizon of the MMA landscape in the coming weeks after his physiotherapist's latest statement. 'El Matador' secured the featherweight title at UFC 298 in February after defeating Alexander Volkanovski, however, it's unclear whether or not they will clash in an immediate rematch.
'The Great' suffered two brutal knockouts back-to-back, first against Islam Makhachev at UFC 294 before being caught with a vicious right hand by Topuria less than four months later.
Given Max Holloway's incredible last-second KO victory over Justin Gaethje at UFC 300 to win the BMF title, there are suggestions that the featherweight champion could fight 'Blessed' while Volkanovski recovers.
While Topuria has yet to indicate that he has secured a new opponent, his physiotherapist recently took to Instagram and posted this:
"We start the Training camp with the Matador @iliatopuria. Assessment and measurements."
See Ilia Topuria's physiotherapist's post below:
UFC 305 will be headlined by Dricus du Plessis vs. Israel Adesanya whilst UFC 306 in September is rumored to feature two titles bout in Sean O'Malley vs. Merab Dvalishbili and Alexa Grasso vs. Valentina Schevchenko.
This leaves UFC 307 as the most likely pay-per-view card for a potential Topuria title fight, which will take place in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Leading MMA journalist, Ariel Helwani, hinted that Topuria vs. Holloway could happen in October, stating that "Utah was lucky" to see have the featherweight title clash.
Alexander Volkanovski predicts Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway
With Alexander Volkanovski suffering two severe knockouts in a row, there is a feeling that the UFC may opt to let him continue to rest, and schedule Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway instead - with 'The Great' facing the winner.
Following Holloway's victory over Justin Gaethje to secure the BMF title, Topuria stipulated that he would only agree to fight the Hawaiian should the BMF belt also be on the line.
Although it's unclear whether 'El Matador' will face Volkanovski in an immediate rematch or face 'Blessed' instead, the Australian recently shared his prediction for a Topuria vs. Holloway clash. He said the following:
"Look I think Ilia's a great fighter but I would probably pick Max in that one. I think [Max's] chin's obviously held up many times and I think his boxing's gonna be good enough. He will get hit so, Ilia will be testing that chin. But at the same time, I think Max Holloway, you know going in the later rounds it's just gonna favor him."
Watch Alex Volkanovski predict Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway below: