Ilia Topuria explains why he thinks he’ll be the first to knock out Max Holloway at UFC 308: "I don't have any doubts about that"
Ilia Topuria recently explained why he will be the first fighter to knock out Max Holloway at UFC 308 and doubled down on his prediction. The reigning featherweight champion will be making his first title defense and is looking to prove that he is on another level in the 145-pound division by adding Holloway to his resume which already includes Alexander Volkanovski.
'Blessed' is coming off an incredible final-second knockout after moving up to 155 pounds and defeating Justin Gaethje at UFC 300 to win the 'BMF title. Topuria has since disclosed that he wants to replicate the exchange Holloway had with Gaethje, however, he wants it to be in the first 10 seconds of the bout rather than the final 10 seconds.
During the latest episode of UFC 308 Embedded, the reigning featherweight champion expressed his desire to finish 'Blessed'. Topuria explained that his fighting style would result in him having success against Holloway and retaining his title via knockout:
"I feel like I bring a completely different style. I bring the evolution of mixed martial arts, I'm a different type of fighter. You know, I've improved everywhere in the game. I have everything to be the first one to knock [Holloway] out and it's going to happen...I don't have any doubts about that." [1:58 - 2:19]
Check out the full episode featuring Ilia Topuria's comments below:
"He has a huge story" - Ilia Topuria heaps praise on Max Holloway
Although Ilia Topuria is confident he will be the first fighter to earn a knockout win over Max Holloway at UFC 308, that doesn't mean he has any animosity towards him.
During the aforementioned episode of UFC 308 Embedded, Topuria heaped praise on Holloway and mentioned that he was somebody he watched as a fan. 'El Matador' said he respects what 'Blessed' has accomplished throughout his career:
"I have a lot of respect for Max Holloway. I can remember the days when I was following his professional career. I want to be the first one to take his lights out. He's a great fighter, he has a huge story behind him." [1:42 - 1:56]
Check out the promo for UFC 308 featuring Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway below: