One of the most anticipated bouts of 2024 is undoubtedly the title fight between Max Holloway and Ilia Topuria. The pair are scheduled to fight each other in Abu Dhabi at UFC 308. Ahead of fight night, fans are expecting a brutal striking fest between the featherweights. According to the featherweight champion, Holloway might need to be very extremely cautious while going full out.
Max Holloway went viral at UFC 300 after his buzzer-beating knockout of Justin Gaethje. Before that, both competitors chose to stand and bang after Holloway pointed to the ground. This is one of the most exciting moments in UFC history. While discussing the probability of that happening at UFC 308, Topuria stated that it would result in a negative outcome for Holloway.
If he’s gonna bring the same energy he brings in the last 10 seconds of every round, when he does this, I’m gonna knock him out in the first round…I recommend him to use a helmet because he’s gonna need it… maybe I’m gonna point to the ground.
Ilia Topuria via MMA Junkie
At UFC 300, Max Holloway was already winning the bout comfortably on points, but he still took the risk. However, the ‘El Matador’ believes Holloway is an easy target when it comes to striking. Over the years, Topuria has established himself as one of the best strikers in the sport. His latest knockout against Alexander Volkanovski remains a clear example.
Despite the loss, Volkanovski predicted Holloway to take the win at UFC 308. According to the former featherweight champion, the later rounds will favor Holloway due to his tough chin and cardio. However, Topuria plans to end the fight in the first few rounds. Going into the fight, the Spaniard has also opened as the betting favorite against the ‘Blessed.’
UFC legend talks about Max Holloway being the underdog against Ilia Topuria at UFC 308
Despite Max Holloway’s massive hype after his last performance, he has opened as the underdog against Ilia Topuria. The reigning champion is undefeated, with four knockout finishes in the UFC. According to top bantamweight Cory Sandhagen, Topuria is extremely good and will beat Holloway with ease.
Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway (via Imago)Holloway has been in the UFC for a long time and has fought some of the best fighters in the promotion. However, Topuria’s winning momentum can potentially crush Holloway’s chances of winning. According to UFC veteran Chael Sonnen, Topuria beating Alexander Volkanovski is the reason he’s the betting favorite against Holloway.
MMA math isn’t foolproof but it is the best piece of data that we have. Max losing to Volk three times, Topuria beating Volk, it matters….The more you think about the common opponent, it just changes things.
Chael Sonnen vai his YouTube channel
Going into the fight, the trash talk between both the fighters has already started. It will be a classic matchup between two fighters claiming to have the best boxing in the promotion. Other than this, the whole UFC 308 card remains stacked, and fans are excited about it.
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