With the reports of Ilia Topuria fighting Max Holloway next surfacing all over social media, many fellow fighters started giving their predictions. The former UFC bantamweight interim title challenger Cory Sandhagen also shared his insights on what will be the outcome of the highly anticipated UFC featherweight clash.
The excitement and the buzz around the Topuria vs. Holloway fight is rising as days pass by. Cory Sandhagen, who is set to face Umar Nurmagomedov in the coming weekend couldn’t help but comment on the upcoming featherweight title clash. In a recent interview with Shakiel Mahjouri, Sandhagen discussed his strategies to break down Nurmagomedov. Later in the video, the bantamweight fighter also predicted that Topuria would defeat Holloway.
At 145, I think Ilia is one of the best guys, one of the best champs. I think that he is going to, unfortunately beat Max Holloway… Ilia is just such a good fighter… He’s going to be a tough guy to beat for the entire division for a really long time.
Cory Sandhagen via SHAK MMA
Sandhagen even broke down how good of a fighter Topuria highlighting his stance and footwork inside the cage. Reportedly, Holloway vs. Topuria was scheduled for the UFC Noche event. Upon hearing those reports there was even a backlash among the fans, who didn’t want Topuria to headline the Sphere card.
⚡️Cory Sandhagen predicts that Ilia Topuria will beat Max Holloway and envisions Topuria achieving future success at lightweight division.
“At 145 I think Ilia is one of the best guys, one of the best champs, I think that he is going to, unfortunately beat Max Holloway, because… pic.twitter.com/ExEoF9VDmu
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) July 30, 2024
However, UFC CEO, Dana White later revealed the UFC 306 card and confirmed that there was no fight between Holloway and Topuria till September. Interestingly, not only Sandhagen but a former UFC featherweight champion also shed light on Topuria’s featherweight title clash against Holloway.
Alexander Volkanovski labels Max Holloway as a ‘Tough fight’ for Ilia Topuria
There is high anticipation among the MMA community for the fight between Max Holloway and Ilia Topuria. Even Alexander Volkanovski couldn’t help but jump into the debate about the Hawaiian and the Spaniard. The featherweight king is adamant he will be the first man to crack the seemingly unbreakable chin of Holloway.
However, Topuria’s former opponent Volkanovski is doubtful that will happen. Interestingly, ‘El Matador’ handed the Australian his first career defeat at featherweight when they fought at UFC 298. Having fought against both fighters in his UFC career, Volkanovski shared his insights on how their fight will unfold. In doing so, he also claimed that this would be a tough fight for Topuria.
Both great fighters, but I think Max has proven himself time and time again… We know his got that crazy granite chin. Your biggest bet is trying to take that chin out, goodluck… That’s a tough fight for Ilia (Topuria).
Alexander Volkanovski via TheMacLife
Topuria and Holloway are expected to fight later this year. According to reports, both fighters have reached a verbal agreement to fight at UFC 308, slated for Abu Dhabi in October. However, the UFC has not officially confirmed this yet. Now, it remains to be seen whose prediction will be correct if the fight is materialized.
