Max Holloway addresses whether Justin Gaethje knocked him down at UFC 300 amid debate surrounding his chin’s durability against Ilia Topuria
Will Ilia Topuria's power be able to crack the granite chin of Max Holloway at UFC 308? That is the question on the minds of all MMA fans ahead of their clash on Oct. 26.
'Blessed' has never been officially knocked down, let alone knocked out, according to the UFC's statistical records. But 'El Matador' has showcased one-punch knockout power against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298 and against Jai Herbert at UFC Fight Night 204.
Ahead of the bout, Holloway was interviewed by Kevin Iole, who asked the Hawaiian about his previous fight against Justin Gaethje at UFC 300. 'Blessed' scored a sensational last-second KO win in Round 5 to win the BMF title.
But Iole focused on another moment: Gaethje landed a punch out of the clinch that appeared to drop Holloway to one knee. Many fans felt the moment was a genuine knockdown despite not being recorded as such.
The former featherweight champion was asked if he felt he was knocked down, and said this:
"I got hit, and I touched the mat. I guess in a knock down, whenever you get hit, if your gloves touch the mat that's considered a knockdown... I know they didn't count it officially. But if you look at what a knock down is, he hit me, my gloves touched the ground, my butt touched the ground, I got back up real fast but it is what it is."
Catch Max Holloway's comments below (4:50):
Alexander Volkanovski doubts Ilia Topuria can land KO punch on Max Holloway
Alexander Volkanovski was handed the first defeat of his career at featherweight when he faced Ilia Topuria at UFC 298.
With the Spaniard having dethroned one of the greatest champions in recent history in his previous fight, 'El Matador' is entering his title fight against Max Holloway full of confidence.
He stated that he will become the first fighter to knock out 'Blessed', but Volkanovski isn't so sure.
During a recent interview with TheMacLife, the former champion discussed the matchup, saying this:
"Ilia, he's got some power in his hands, his only chance of winning would be to catch [Holloway], I believe. That's no disrespect [to Topuria], Max has proven himself. We know his got that crazy granite chin. If your biggest bet is trying to take that chin out, goodluck. I've tried many times, and so have many other big punchers. Pound-for-pound the best chin ever. That's a tough fight for Ilia."
Catch Volkanovski's comments on Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway below (11:20):