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Max Holloway sends message of support to Ilia Topuria after rival opens up on ‘difficult moment’

Originally posted on Bloody Elbow | By Kyle Dimond | Last updated Nov 27, 2025 9:59 PM ET

Max Holloway responded to his former opponent’s recent social media statement.

It was reported on Wednesday that Ilia Topuria wouldn’t be making his return early in 2026 like many fans had hoped for.

The undefeated lightweight champion is one of the biggest stars on the roster, which made him a likely candidate to be a part of the UFC’s schedule once they move to Paramount+ at the start of 2026.

Topuria’s own post about his plans confirmed that it will be several months before we see him back inside the Octagon to defend his title for the first time.

After ‘El Matador’ shared the reasoning behind this delay, he received some kind words from an opponent that he locked horns with in 2024.

Who should get the next lightweight title shot?

Max Holloway reaches out to Ilia Topuria following his delayed UFC return

In the main event of UFC 308, Ilia Topuria knocked out Max Holloway to produce the one and only defense of his featherweight title.

Both Holloway and Topuria have taken shots at one another since they went head-to-head in one of the most highly-anticipated fights of 2024.

However, that didn’t stop the reigning BMF champion from sharing a message of support to his former opponent.

After Topuria said that “a difficult moment in his personal life” is the reason why returning to the UFC isn’t his priority right now, Holloway was able to relate to the first man to knock him out.

‘Blessed’ wrote back a sympathetic message on X, temporarily burying the hatchet with his fellow lightweight.

“Sorry to hear champ,” Holloway wrote. “If it’s what I’m hearing it is I know the struggle first hand trying to fight while protecting your kids. Hope all goes well.”

“Thanks for the support, brother,” Topuria responded. “All the best for you and your family.”

Ilia Topuria’s next opponent will likely be decided at UFC 324

While Ilia Topuria has made it clear that his goal is to move up a weight class to challenge Islam Makhachev, it doesn’t seem likely that the UFC will grant him this.

The champion’s decision to delay his return has led to the creation of an interim title, with the winner likely going on to face ‘El Matador’ in a huge unification bout.

Paddy Pimblett vs Justin Gaethje in the main event of UFC 324 on January 24 was just one of several huge bouts that Dana White made official on November 27.