Max Holloway and Ilia Topuria will lock horns next Saturday inside the Etihad Arena at UFC 308. It will be Topuria’s first title defense since winning the featherweight belt early this year. Going into the fight, the rivalry between both fighters is tense. To add more spice, Topuria has recently issued a new warning against the ‘Blessed.’
Holloway and Topuria are known for their striking skills, which has helped build excitement for a brutal clash. Ahead of the fight, the Georgian-Spaniard mockingly suggested Holloway should wear a helmet to protect himself from his punches. Now, Topuria has added that he not only plans to outstrike Holloway but could also submit him with ease.
I can take the decision to take him down whenever I want. As soon as I take that decision, I will submit him. As soon as he touches the ground, he will be submitted.
Ilia Topuria via Kevin Iole’s YouTube channel
Ilia Topuria is one of the best punchers in the UFC, known for his lightning-fast hands and devastating knockout power. However, ‘El Matador’ has stated that he considers himself an even better grappler, adding a new level of danger for Max Holloway. While accustomed to facing elite strikers throughout his UFC career, Holloway has shown decent takedown defense.
Ilia Topuria says his ground game is better than his striking 👀
“I can take the decision to take [Max] down whenever I want. As soon as I take that decision, I will submit him. As soon as he touches the ground, he will be submitted.”
🎥 @KevinI #UFC308 #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/cS1ck5ze7C
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) October 17, 2024
Though Topuria could hand Holloway his second UFC submission loss, it may not happen at UFC 308. Instead, the champion has issued a ‘10 second stand and bang challenge’ to Holloway, similar to the ending of UFC 300. Holloway is way too calculated to try that from the get-go. However, seeing that take place later in the rounds won’t be surprising.
Max Holloway mocks Ilia Topuria’s infamous reaction from UFC 300
Since UFC 308 was announced, the rivalry between Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway has intensified. However, it began at UFC 300 when Holloway challenged ‘El Matador’ to a title fight. Before that, Holloway and Justin Gaethje fought in a grueling bout that ended with the former interim lightweight champion collapsing face-first onto the canvas.
Topuria was there to watch the fight and had a somewhat unexpected reaction, which went viral. While recalling his knockout at UFC 300, Holloway recently credited Gaethje for the iconic battle. Furthermore, he mocked Topuria’s reaction.
My favorite clip is of Ilia Topuria looking lost, like he doesn’t know where he was. He didn’t even know if he was in human dimension.
Max Holloway via UFC’s YouTube channel
Max Holloway says his favorite clip from #UFC300 isn’t his knockout of Justin Gaethje, but it’s Ilia Topuria’s reaction to his knockout 😭😭
“[My favorite clip is] of Ilia Topuria looking lost, like he doesn’t know where he was. He didn’t even know if he was in human dimension.”… pic.twitter.com/OEiSvcMhyp
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) October 16, 2024
Topuria has already clarified his viral reaction and mentioned that he wasn’t scared. On the contrary, the champion was unimpressed with both fighters’ lack of technique, comparing their exchange to a bar fight. The ongoing back-and-forth has heightened the fight’s anticipation, set to culminate at UFC 308.
