Robert Whittaker points to Alexander Volkanovski as big reason why Max Holloway is favorite against Ilia Topuria at UFC 308
Max Holloway is set to take on Ilia Topuria at UFC 308 in what could provide fans with one of the best striking spectacles of 2024. 'El Matador' is a slight favorite according to sportsbooks, but some fans are confident that the Hawaiian will defeat his opponent.
Holloway's previous fight came against Justin Gaethje at UFC 300 in April, where 'Blessed' secured a breath-taking last-second knockout to become the new BMF champion.
As arguably the best performance of his career, many fans may be using the BMF titleholder's last clash as reason to believe he could dethrone Topuria. But according to Robert Whittaker, Holloway is a slight favorite due to his trilogy with Alexander Volkanovski, who lost to Topuria at UFC 298 for the title.
'Blessed' suffered three defeats to 'The Great', and their third clash was without doubt the best performance of Volkanovski's career. But outside of his three losses to the Australian, Holloway has not tasted defeat at featherweight since facing Conor McGregor in 2013.
Whilst predicting the UFC 308 main event, Whittaker said:
"You know why I think a lot of people are leaning towards Holloway is, honest to God, Holloway's only obstacle in his entire career has been Alex Volkanovski. That's the only blemish, more or less, on his career... Before Volk he was good, after Volk he's better... I'm leaning towards Holloway."
Watch Whittaker discuss Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway here (11:00).
Alexander Volkanovski is skeptical Ilia Topuria will KO Max Holloway
Max Holloway has arguably the best chin in MMA history, having never officially been dropped by an opponent. But his upcoming rival, Ilia Topuria, intends on changing that and believes he will be the first man to knock 'Blessed' out.
'El Matador' has elite boxing, and showstopping power to boot which was on full display against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298.
But having clashed with Holloway thrice, 'The Great' is more familiar with the Hawaiian's durability than any other fighter and doesn't believe Topuria could put him away.
During a recent interview with TheMacLife, he said:
"Ilia, he's got some power in his hands, his only chance of winning would be to catch [Holloway]... 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, good luck. I've tried many times so... That's a tough fight for Ilia."
Watch Volkanovski preview Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway below (11:20):