Ilia Topuria is getting ready for his first-ever title defense against Max Holloway. The reigning UFC featherweight champion recently took part in a polygraph test as part of the UFC 308 buildup. This added an unexpected twist to his pre-fight promotion. Along with his brother Aleksandre, who recently signed with the UFC, the two engaged in a playful polygraph challenge where they asked each other revealing and somewhat provocative questions. Here is what happened:
One of the most striking moments came when Aleksandre asked Ilia Topuria if he felt so invincible that he believed he could beat any UFC fighter. Ilia confidently answered “yes,” but the polygraph indicated that he was lying. Despite the test’s result, Ilia insisted on his belief in his invincibility.
I have always felt invincible, this [polygraph] can say whatever it wants
Ilia Topuria on his YouTube channel
The internet caught onto this moment and fans spread it across social media. Topuria’s self-confidence has propelled him through a dominant career including several high-profile knockouts in the UFC. The polygraph test was not merely a fun side event; it allowed fans to take a peek at a broader narrative of Ilia’s mental and psychological standing ahead of UFC 308.
NEW: Ilia Topuria gets CAUGHT LYING ON POLYGRAPH TEST after saying he believes he’s “invincible,” and could beat “any UFC fighter.” 👀 #UFC308
Aleksandre Topuria: “Have you ever felt so invincible that you thought you would beat any UFC fighter?”
Ilia Topuria: “Yes.”
Lie… pic.twitter.com/I0KQQWELWX
— Parry Punch (@ParryPunchNews) September 17, 2024
The Spanish-Georgian featherweight is scheduled to defend his title against former UFC champion Max Holloway. Holloway is a seasoned veteran with legendary status in the division. That adds tension to an already highly anticipated bout. Topuria’s unwavering confidence, despite the polygraph results, shows his mentality as a champion and it will be interesting to see if he can back it all up this October.
Max Holloway dubs UFC 308 rival Ilia Topuria “an old fella”
Ahead of his UFC 308 showdown with Ilia Topuria, Max Holloway has playfully suggested that Topuria might actually be one of his fans. During a recent interview with ESPN, Holloway mentioned that Topuria commented on one of his Instagram posts with “let’s go Max.”
This led Holloway to believe that deep down, Topuria might be cheering for him. Holloway also described ‘El Matador’ as “an odd fella”. However, despite the trash talk Holloway claimed he is really focused on the upcoming bout rather than verbal exchanges.
All this he said, she said stuff is going to go out the window. And we get to find out who’s going to be the champion after that night.”
Max Holloway on ESPN
Holloway also addressed Ilia Topuria going around claiming that he was going to be the first one to put him out. The UFC star responded saying that if that is what Topuria needs to get himself to the fight, he can keep telling himself that till fight night. Blessed believes that once the cage door closes, they will get to find out.
