The featherweight title clash between Max Holloway and Ilia Topuria is one of the most anticipated fights of 2024. With both fighters in top form, the excitement surrounding this matchup is at an all-time high. Fans and experts have kept it buzzing with predictions and analysis, and Tom Aspinall recently added his own thoughts.
Going into the fight, Ilia Topuria is confident enough to put on a show and win the fight via KO. The Georgian champion is a complete fighter and also has the ability to submit Holloway with ease. According to interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall, all this could be too overwhelming for Holloway in the fight.
Ilia Topuria can put him down. He’s got the power to and he mixes it up between the disciplines. I wouldn’t be surprised if Max Holloway got dropped in the fight.
Tom Aspinall via UFC on TNT Sports
Aspinall pointed out that Topuria’s defensive boxing is superior to Holloway’s, and the takedown threats will affect the ‘Blessed.’ Holloway has an incredible chin that has never been cracked before. Justin Gaethje was able to come close but the official stats say otherwise. However, Topuria, with his power, does have the opportunity.
Tom Aspinall breaks down Ilia Topuria vs Max Holloway, and predicts that Ilia will knock down Max at some point in the fight 👀
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) October 20, 2024
The Hawaiian fighter has raised the bar after his iconic performance at UFC 300 and has promised to top that this weekend. Ahead of the fight, both fighters exchanged some verbal jibes, which kept the fans on their toes. However, it’s safe to say that the UFC roster is equally torn between Holloway and Topuria.
Former rival predicts Max Holloway vs. Ilia Topuria
Max Holloway, at the age of 32, has already had a long 12-year career in the UFC. He has fought some of the toughest competition in the featherweight division and is the former owner of the featherweight title. Winning against Ilia Topuria would prove that the fighter still has much to offer and isn’t going anywhere soon.
On the other hand, Topuria’s title run is nothing short of spectacular. With dominating fights and knockout victories, Topuria has established himself as the new generation of greatness. Former champion Alexander Volkanovski is the only fighter who has fought these challengers and recently shared his opinion.
Max is going to know that he can’t just sit in the pocket with someone like Ilia Topuria. I think he’s going to be able to outwork him on the outside. He (Ilia) might catch him but it’s gonna be a long hard night for Topuria.
Alexander Volkanovski via mainevent
🚨| Alexander Volkanovski is siding with Max Holloway in the #UFC308 main event and believes he’s going to outwork Ilia Topuria. 👀
— MMA Orbit (@mma_orbit) October 20, 2024
In his recent fight against Topuria, Volkanovski experienced the Georgian-Spaniard’s power firsthand after being knocked out. Despite this, the Australian superstar greatly respects Holloway, who has shared over 70 minutes inside the octagon. Regardless of who comes out on top, Volkanovski is eager for another title shot in the future. He could potentially face either one of these formidable opponents.
