With just a few days left until the highly anticipated UFC 308 fight card, tension is rising within the community. The event will feature the featherweight championship bout between Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway as the headliners. However, leading up to the event, the Spaniard seems to be engaged in several online exchanges with various fighters, including his former rival Alexander Volkanovski.
When an intriguing matchup occurs, almost everyone in the community is eager to share their predictions about the fight. The featherweight clash between Max Holloway and Ilia Topuria holds similar significance. Amidst that, the Spaniard is seemingly confused about why Alexander Volkanovski is putting his bet on Holloway. In a recent interview, Topuria has a unique theory as to why.
That guy (Alexander Volkanovski) surprises me sometimes because he is very strange. I’ve seen the latest statements he’s been making about my fight with Max Holloway. He thinks Max Holloway is going to beat me. I don’t think he really believes that. It’s what he wants because it’s much easier to do a rematch with a guy you have beaten three times than the one who has knocked you out in 7 minutes, obviously, because he is a bit of a scoundrel…
Ilia Topuria via KOImenero MMA
Alexander Volkanovski, the former UFC featherweight champion, has fought both Topuria and Holloway. In his fights against the Hawaiian fighter, Volkanovski has comfortably defeated him on three occasions, all by decision wins.
On the other hand, Volkanovski and Topuria have only clashed once, which resulted in the Australian fighter losing his featherweight crown to the Spaniard. Topuria believes that Volkanovski sees Holloway as an easier matchup, which is why Volkanovski is supporting Holloway against Topuria.
Ilia Topuria says he doesn’t know if Alexander Volkanovski is next in line for a title shot, and says he’s ‘strange’ for predicting that Max Holloway will beat him:
“I don’t think he really believes that [Max will beat me]. It’s what he wants. Because it’s much easier to do a… pic.twitter.com/34n0Pgyuf7
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) October 21, 2024
Even though Topuria and Volkanovski don’t have any personal animosity towards each other, they seem to dislike each other. They have often exchanged verbal jabs. Recently, Topuria has vowed to defeat Holloway in a similar manner to his victory over Volkanovski. Interestingly, like Volkanovski, several people doubt Topuria’s potential, and the Spaniard has a strong message for them.
Ilia Topuria is ready to prove everyone wrong in his upcoming fight
Ilia Topuria made his UFC debut in 2020 and has maintained an undefeated record. Throughout his UFC career, he has defeated several top names in the featherweight division to earn a title shot against Alexander Volkanovski. Interestingly, he seized the opportunity and knocked out Volkanovski with his exceptional striking skills. Even after that, certain doubts loom around Topuria’s fighter stature.
Multiple individuals, including former UFC superstars, believe that the Spaniard has a lot of work to do in the promotion to reach the same level as his upcoming opponent. Recently, Topuria responded to these criticisms. He vowed to prove everyone wrong and demonstrate his capabilities by defeating Holloway.
I watch the predictions of all the UFC fighters… all the bums. F*ck you everyone. After I’m gonna knock (Max Holloway) out, don’t even tell me ‘hello’ if you see me…
Ilia Topuria via The Ariel Helwani Show
Ilia Topuria sends a message to every fighter who is picking him to lose against Max Holloway:
“I watch the predictions of all the UFC fighters… all the bums. F*** you everyone. After I’m gonna knock [Max] out, don’t even tell me ‘hello’ if you see me.” 😳😳
🎥 @arielhelwani… pic.twitter.com/5r3ZF1R7MJ
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) October 15, 2024
All the recent news and events surrounding the Topuria vs. Holloway fight have intensified the excitement within the fighting community. It will be interesting to see who emerges victorious in the UFC 308 main event fight this weekend.
