If any retractors were to chance upon Ilia Topuria, they could easily warn the Spanish star off, because – his ‘El Matador’ side is showing up. But then again, the sparky, sportively Topuria did promise a 15-0 stat and deliver on it at the UFC 298 pay-per-view. So maybe, it’s just his confidence to deliver. Now, the UFC 308 star takes the war to Islam Makhachev, after Conor McGregor.
Topuria has long called for a fight with Conor McGregor, But in the wake of the Irishman’s inactivity, he believes he is unworthy of a bout with him. ‘The Notorious’ recently went inebriated in a recent Kick Livestream sponsored by Duelbits (@Duelbits) Crypto Casino & Sportsbook. He slammed the UFC Champ Topuria and got a reply for it. Now, in the same IG Live, Ilia Topuria read up on comments about fighting Islam Makhachev; he is open to the opportunity.
[Reading comments] ‘Will you be moving up to 155 again’? Mmh…Why not? I have already done it once…I could do it again…[Reading comments] ‘Do you see yourself fighting Makhachev’? [Islam] is a great fighter. Sometimes he talks too much… but we can always resolve it in the octagon…Not in the streets because I’ll have to pay for his medical bills.
Ilia Topuria during an Instagram Live session (@iliatopuria); H/T: Full Send MMA/@MMAPROSPICK
Ilia Topuria says he’d be down to fight Islam Makhachev 👀
“[Islam] is a great fighter. Sometimes he talks too much… but we can always resolve it in the octagon.
Not in the streets because I’ll have to pay for his medical bills.”
(h/t @MMAPROSPICK) #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/ykaLQOY3Q0
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) October 3, 2024
Topuria headlines UFC 308 against Max Holloway in October on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi (ESPN+ pay-per-view). It marks his maiden defense after the pay-per-view headliner in Anaheim against Alexander Volkanovski. A Riyadh Season sporting ambassador for the ceremony opener, Conor McGregor frequents the area. Should he catch a glimpse of McGregor before his fight, he won’t be holding back. But other than that, he has double-dip dreams of his own.
Those include Islam Makhachev, after UFC 308. Both Makhachev and the Alicante-Georgian are indulging in dual-division thoughts. The Dagestani wants to move up to 170lbs. Ilia Topuria wants to move up to lightweight and challenge whoever holds the belt. Knowing how good a fighter he is, Makhachev is a big bet for that. However, he just knows he’ll win if the commentary is any proof. He had some sportively similar thoughts on Holloway as well.
Ilia Topuria feels sorry for Max Holloway’s possible fate at UFC 308
UFC ends the year strong with its numbered events. Nothing feels bigger than the UFC 308 lineup right now. Not even this Saturday’s all-star booking UFC 307 PPV with Alex Pereira in it feels big enough. Neither does consensus G.O.A.T. Jon Jones’ return fight in November.
With five current or former champions set to battle it out, the 26th of October card is one hell of a ride. Ilia Topuria (15-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC) meets Holloway for a pay-per-view feature title showdown. Consequently, cocky Topuria has some plans for that.
Max doesn’t even know what awaits him… Poor guy, really. I like him too much for what’s going to happen to him… He’s not going to be able to exchange with me, because he’s going to get what he really needs. To have his nose put back in it’s place…
Ilia Topuria further said in his IG Live (@iliatopuria); H/T: @MMAPROSPICK
Ilia Topuria was live answering fan questions, and he said that Max won’t be able to trade punches with him because if he does, he’ll get the nose job he needs. ☠️
via: @Topuriailia / #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/2tI1dBUFOj
— MMA.PROS.PICK (@MMAPROSPICK) October 2, 2024
Topuria believes he has the edge over Holloway in their upcoming UFC 308 championship fight. The Team Climent Club MMA fighter has been critical of Holloway’s fighting style, He also feels that “Blessed” will not be so when he meets him.
The matchup between Topuria and Holloway is to be a pure striker’s fest, that too between featherweights infamous for their boxing ability. Topuria has also yet to taste defeat in his professional career. As such, he will need this brisk confidence, come October 26th.
