The crowning moment of Ilia Topuria at UFC 298 marked the beginning of a new era in the featherweight division. The Spanish star boldly declared himself the world champion before UFC 298, and he backed up his words in grand fashion. Topuria became only the second fighter in the UFC to KO Alexander Volkanovski and the first to defeat him in the featherweight division.
It is a feat that Max Holloway hasn’t accomplished in three attempts. Now, Holloway is on a collision course with Topuria as the remaining featherweight threat. His UFC 300 performance catapulted him into the title picture. However, the champion wasn’t impressed with his last performance, deeming it just a bar-room fight. Moreover, he even issued an interesting challenge to Holloway ahead of their title clash.
I challenge you to have that exchange in the first ten seconds of the fight. And you will see what’s going to happen? When you face a fighter like me inside the octagon, who brings that technique and that power? You can’t do that.
Ilia Topuria via ESPN MMA
The 32-year-old fighter is well known for his signature last 10-second slugfest to end the fight. Holloway has pulled it off against Ricardo Lamas, Justin Gaethje, and Arnold Allen. However, only in one instance, against Dustin Poirier, things did not go his way. If he tries something similar, the Spaniard has vowed to dispatch him to an old age home, much like he did against Volkanovski.
Ilia Topuria has stated his interest in becoming champ-champ like Conor McGregor. Surprisingly, he has no interest in the idea of ‘red panty night’ against McGregor in the future. Favouring the idea of bigger match-ups, he simply wants to take on the best fighters in the world. His campaign to do that will start from the UFC 308 against the ‘Blessed’ express.
Ilia Topuria doesn’t believe Max Holloway is the best boxer in the UFC
Max Holloway is one of the biggest names in the division, who has enjoyed a long title reign. As such, Topuria winning over such a big name could put him on the pathway to Islam Makhachev, who he believes to be beatable. Speaking with ESPN MMA, Topuria was quizzed about his rival being named the best boxer in UFC.
Scoffing at the statement, Ilia Topuria claimed that he would prove that he was better than his rival. The Spanish star’s clash with Holloway at UFC 308 will mark his first title defense. Holloway holds the record for landing the most amount of punches in a fight. This earned him the moniker, but it seems like the champion has his argument against him.
Bro, that’s a shame don’t say that again. I recommend, don’t say that again. Why he is the best boxer in the UFC? Not have movement, no have knockout power, no technique.
Ilia Topuria via ESPN MMA
😭😭Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway arguing who is the best boxer in the UFC is way too funny.
🎥 @espnmma ▫️ pic.twitter.com/GuUNPz346B
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) October 9, 2024
The featherweight champ insisted that a fight like UFC 300 is only good for the fans. But in his eyes, it showcased a lack of technique and skill. Furthermore, he also raised an eyebrow at Holloway’s pad work, lacking combinations and being more stationary. Only time will tell who will emerge victorious in the featherweight title clash at UFC 308.
