The UFC featherweight division has undergone some massive changes lately. The new champion, Ilia Topuria, wants to defend his title against BMF title holder Max Holloway. While there are many speculations regarding this potential match-up. Former champion Alexander Volkanovski has also shared his prediction for the fight.
Alexander Volkanovski recently did an interview with The Submission Radio where he was asked to pick between Holloway and Topuria. Volkanovski mentioned that Holloway’s cardio would be beneficial in the later rounds. As such, he picked Holloway over Topuria.
I think Ilia’s a great fighter, but I would probably pick Max in that one. I think [Max’s] chin’s obviously held up many times and I think his boxing’s gonna be good enough. He will get hit so, Ilia will be testing that chin. But at the same time I think Max Holloway, you know going in the later rounds it’s just gonna favor him.
Alexander Volkanovski via The Submission Radio YouTube
Fortunately, Volkanovski has fought both fighters in the past. While the ’Great’ has a perfect record against Holloway, the same can’t be said about Ilia Topuria. Despite being unable to beat the Spaniard, Volkanovski seems confident about Holloway getting the job done ahead of the potential fight.
Alexander Volkanovski explains why he believes that Max Holloway would defeat Ilia Topuria:
“Look I think Ilia’s a great fighter, but I would probably pick Max in that one. I think [Max’s] chin’s obviously held up many times and I think his boxing’s gonna be good enough.
He… pic.twitter.com/WjOYcT5G8y
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) June 5, 2024
Holloway shocked everyone after his iconic performance at UFC 300. After knocking out Justin Gaethje in the fifth round, Holloway opened up his opportunity to fight anybody. He wanted to fight Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title. However, as expected, his first choice remains the featherweight title. With Holloway wanting to get back his lost title, Topuria is pretty confident about his chances.
Ilia Topuria is motivated to be the first fighter to knockout Max Holloway
Max Holloway is regarded as one of the best strikers on the UFC roster. He famously calls himself the ‘best boxer of UFC’, and given his record, it makes sense. Holloway’s chin has never deteriorated despite being in some incredible wars over the years. That’s exactly what Ilia Topuria wants to test.
Ilia Topuria wants to knock out Max Holloway (via X)The back-and-forth between Max Holloway and Topuria has remained exciting. The Spaniard took to X and made some huge claims. The featherweight champion predicted a finish over Holloway in a potential matchup.
I never turned down the rematch with Alex as the UFC has never offered me this fight. As I’ve said many times before, I will be the first to knockout Holloway. Let’s keep this simple: Do you want to fight? If the answer is yes, there’s nothing more to discuss. Bring my belt and your pillow.
Ilia Topuria via X
I never turned down the rematch with Alex as the UFC has never offered me this fight. As I’ve said many times before, I will be the first to knockout Holloway. Let’s keep this simple: Do you want to fight? If the answer is yes, there’s nothing more to discuss. Bring my belt and…
— Ilia Topuria (@Topuriailia) May 1, 2024
On the other hand, Topuria is undefeated, and Holloway is ready to give him his first-ever loss. Up until now, the UFC has not made any official announcement regarding the bout. However, it sure will be a massive one, as fans are hyped for this rivalry.
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