Max Holloway has slammed UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria for his impersonation of Conor McGregor. It’s no secret that many, including the Alicante-Georgian, follow the “Conor McGregor” blueprint. Topuria was the same, even though he had now made his path after a falling out. Now, the current champion catches flak for it all from his UFC 308 PPV rival.
Holloway (26-7 MMA, 22-7 UFC) takes on Ilia Topuria (15-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC) for the title on Saturday’s UFC 308 headliner in Abu Dhabi. Topuria has made some bold statements, predicting a knockout finish. He has not minced his words when it comes to Max Holloway. But “Blessed” is hardly impressed by the trash talk from a copy of his old rival.
I’m more confused about everything he’s saying, …He’s talking about me not wanting to fight, me being forced to fight. He got me out here feeling like how he looked after my Gaethje fight — To me, I don’t think he deserves – you’ve got to earn that right. I don’t think he deserves that right. I mean, you guys know the guy he’s copycatting. This guy is a copycat down to his tattoos, …aura, to the way he’s approaching fights.
Max Holloway to media scrum during Wednesday’s UFC 308 Media Day pre-fight conferences
When ‘El Matador’ spiked gold at UFC 298, he copied much of Conor McGregor’s antics, even stealing the belt at the presser. But it turns out that the Spaniard was intentionally hyping up the what-if scenario leading to his win. He is also a top PPV spotlight now, making the Forbes España’s ’30 Under 30′ list. ‘Mystic Mac’ was the only UFC competitor on the list before him.
Additionally, after McGrgor’s BKFC domination as a part equity owner, Topuria is also now a co-owner of the MMA promotion Way of Warrior (WOW) FC. The Irishman also recently opened a can of worms altogether, choosing Holloway to win. However, call him a copycat or disbelieve his notions, Topuria doubles down on his intentions for UFC 308.
UFC 308 goes down on Saturday and will feature an absolute strike fest between Ilia Topuria and Max Holliway. Before that though, both fighters, along with the lineup, spoke to reporters Wednesday at media day, Media Day live streams began at 4 a.m. ET/1 a.m. PT, and soon saw the 145-pound champ take the mic and spotlight.
Ilia Topuria and his 3-piece combo have done short work of all, with 13 out of 15 wins in the way of stoppages. However, Holloway and his legendary chin are one for ages. In his career, he has never faced a knockdown against fighters. Justin Gaethje almost put him down at UFC 300. However, with that not counting as impact against an isometric plane his stats remain the same. Topuria says that’ll all change.
That, mixed with career stats, makes “Blessed” one of the best there is. Holloway famously shouted that he was the best boxer in the UFC as he tore Calvin Kattar apart in 2021. Consequently, it was one of his earlier best performances. After UFC 300, this has only increased, but Topuria disagrees.
In reality, he’s a good striker, It’s not only boxer because calling himself the best boxer in the UFC is kind of a shame, because he’s not the best boxer in the UFC, but he’s a good striker — He has a lot of experience…But everyone is good when they can develop their style in the octagon and someone is not putting the pressure on him.
Ilia Topuria during Wednesday’s UFC 308 Media Day
It was the same when people doubted his antics as a driver and prowess against former UFC top pound-for-pound Alexander Volkanovski. Topuria knows that the world will not believe it until they see it. But the UFC featherweight champion is certain to become the first MMA knockout of Max Holloway. Come this weekend, he thus promises to bring the full package against just ‘good striker’ Holloway.
