Alexander Volkanovski reveals who Ilia Topuria should be next: "He's beaten two big fighters."

Ilia Topuria's final fight against Charles Oliveira is still imminent. On June 28, the Spanish-Georgian made history by becoming the tenth fighter in the company to conquer two different weight classes, and the first to do so undefeated. However, the most frequently asked question since El Matador stepped foot outside the cage has been the same: Who's next? All mixed martial arts (MMA) fans have their eyes on the person who will take on the role of contender in Topuria's first defense as lightweight champion (155 pounds or 70.3 kilos).

Ruling out Islam Makhachev from the outset, as he first faces Jack Della Maddalena at welterweight (170 pounds or 77.1 kilos), three names have been considered the most likely to emerge, up until now: Paddy Pimblett, Arman Tsarukyan, and Justin Gaethje . However, the Liverpool native is ranked tenth in the division, so even though he's the most popular option, he'll have to overcome at least one other opponent. On the other side are Gaethje and Tsarukyan, who remain immovable in their positions: they believe they deserve to be the next direct challengers.

But another name has been added to the list. With his most recent victory at UFC 318 , Max Holloway is also among the candidates to claim the throne. He has history with Topuria, in a fight that was close until the knockout, he is the BMF champion, and he has already defeated two of the top 15 at 155 pounds, Dustin Poirier and Gaethje himself. What's more, his former rival Alexander Volkanovski, current featherweight champion, believes that the Hawaiian should be next .

"Max beat Justin Gaethje when he was the number one contender, and Poirier, who just fought for the title. He literally beat two top fighters that you have to beat to get a title shot ," he commented on his YouTube channel. The worst outcome of Holloway's victory has been Justin Gaethje. If the current BMF champion decides to claim his title shot, he'll have a stronger case than Gaethje, since he knocked him out last year.

In short, the lightweight division is once again filled with contenders targeting Ilia Topuria 's spot. The UFC will have to juggle to create a solution that pleases everyone involved. Although it wouldn't be the first time Dana White 's company has achieved this feat. We'll have to keep a close eye on the promoter's next moves.