Dustin Poirier predicts Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway, explains why 'El Matador's' KO claim is "almost impossible"
Dustin Poirier provided his take on the UFC featherweight title matchup between Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway. Poirier shared his prediction and outlined why he thinks it would be difficult for Topuria to secure a knockout finish against Holloway.
Topuria and Holloway are set to lock horns for the featherweight title in the main event of UFC 308, taking place this Saturday at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Ahead of their title fight, the reigning champion claimed that he would be the first fighter to knock out Holloway, who has yet to suffer a knockout defeat in his career.
Poirier, who defeated Holloway twice, recently spoke with Mike Bohn about Topuria's knockout claim. Although 'The Diamond' did not rule out the possibility, he did emphasize how difficult it would be for Topuria to finish Holloway:
''Anything could happen in this game but to go out there and one punch Max [Holloway], is going to be almost impossible, I think. It can happen, for sure. But I don’t think it will... This is a big test. If he goes in there and beats Max or lasts with Max in the volume game and outpoints him, outfights him technically on the feet – that’s going to say so much about Ilia and where he’s going to go.''
However, Poirier leaned towards Holloway while offering his prediction, saying:
''I can’t pick against Max. I could see Topuria winning, but just Max, the experience and the championship fights he’s been in.”
Check out Dustin Poirier's comments below (15:37):
Notably, Poirier is set to appear as a desk analyst alongside Brendan Fitzgerald, Chael Sonnen, and Din Thomas. As for the former interim lightweight champion, he plans to fight two more times before potentially retiring.
Ilia Topuria rules out Alexander Volkanovski rematch at UFC Sydney
Alexander Volkanovski recently hinted at a potential rematch with Ilia Topuria at UFC 312 in Sydney, Australia after losing his featherweight title at UFC 298 earlier this year.
However, during the UFC 308 media day, Topuria rejected the idea of facing Volkanovski in Sydney, stating that he would not defend his belt in his opponent's backyard:
"If that makes him [Volkanovski] feel happy thinking that, maybe, I will go to Australia, that's okay, but in myself, that's never going to happen. I am the champion and if you want to fight for the title again, it has to be in Madrid instead of fighting in Australia in front of your people. Why would I want to give you that advantage?"
Check out Ilia Topuria's comments below (8:38):