As a former UFC two-weight champion, Daniel Cormier knows a thing or two about leverage. That's why he wants to pass on some wisdom to one of the promotion's new champions.
Ilya Topria won the UFC featherweight title with a second-round knockout of Alexander Volkanovski at the UFC 298 event in February. Topria's first title defense has not been announced, but since winning his title, he has decided who he will face, who doesn't deserve the opportunity, what to bet on, and more. I've been doing this.
Cormier gave Topuria some advice regarding a fight with BMF champion Max Holloway or a rematch with Volkanovski.
“I think Ilya Topria needs to come out right now and say, 'I want Max Holloway on this date,'” Cormier explained on his YouTube channel. “Then let's do it with Max. … Because now Max is the guy and sure he has the 'BMF' title, but he wants the featherweight championship. Ilia has that. When Ilia says, “I want to have a match on this day,'' Max has to say “Okay,'' or he'll say no and move on.
“And at that point Ilya Topria could start saying, 'I don't want to fight him.'” He had a chance, he could have done it then, he didn't want to play by the rules. . He has to make the statement, “This is what I want as a champion,'' and put the ball in Max's court to deny that. But so far, things haven't worked out for him as he's been beating all of these guys without a clear idea of who else is out there. ”
Guys like Brian Ortega, Aljamain Sterling, and Movsar Evloev need a little more effort, but Cormier seems spot on when it comes to the current featherweight title fight — with either Holloway or Volkanovski in the mix. –.
The veteran UFC color commentator appears to be hoping Topuria doesn't overdo it as he appears to be on his way to becoming the promotion's biggest star.
“Ilya Topria is a champion, and as a champion you sometimes have a say in who you fight, when you fight him, when you're ready, all of that,” Cormier said. “However, I don't know if he has as much say in this matter as he thinks he has.
“Max Holloway for me is obviously that guy. [but] If not, [it’s] Alexander Volkanovsky. Max told me that. He and I talked privately and he said, “I thought Volk was going to get a rematch.'' How in the world is he not getting a rematch? ” This is coming from a guy waiting for a title fight. But he recognizes, “Look, this guy has beaten me three times, he's a long-reigning champion, and if there's anyone who deserves an immediate rematch, it's this guy.''
