Alexander Volkanovski believes Ilia Topuria has a significant challenge ahead of him in his upcoming title defence.
Topuria, hailing from Spain, ended Volkanovski’s nearly four-year reign as featherweight champion by securing a TKO victory at UFC 298. Instead of an immediate rematch with Volkanovski, Topuria is set to defend his title against the highly regarded Max Holloway.
Holloway, a former featherweight champion, made a bold move by fighting Justin Gaethje for the BMF title at UFC 300. Despite many doubting his chances, Holloway delivered a knockout of the year candidate with a dramatic finish in his bout against Gaethje.
Fans have eagerly anticipated the match-up between Topuria and Holloway, and the official announcement for their fight could be coming soon. Topuria hinted at the fight on social media, expressing his excitement for the match-up.
Alexander Volkanovski Warns Ilia Topuria of the Challenge That is Max Holloway
Volkanovski, who has faced Holloway three times and is the only featherweight to defeat him in the last decade, has insight into both fighters’ abilities. Although Volkanovski has yet to face Topuria, his extensive experience with Holloway gives him a unique perspective on the fight.
In a recent interview with The Mac Life, Volkanovski shared his thoughts on Holloway’s chances against Topuria. “Yeah, man,” Volkanovski responded when asked if he thinks Holloway will win. “Both great fighters, but you know, Max, he’s proven himself time and time again, that chin…”
Volkanovski went on to describe Holloway’s resilience, “Ilia, he’s got obviously some power in his hands. Obviously his only chance of winning would be to catch him, I believe. And that’s no disrespect, but Max’s proven himself, right? But, you know, we know he’s got that crazy granite chin. So, if your biggest bet is trying to take that chin out, good luck. I’ve tried many times and so have many other big punchers. That’s a granite chin. I think that’s got to be pound for pound f****** best chin ever, right? Like, it’s got to be up there. It’s nuts.”
Volkanovski added that Holloway’s durability makes this a tough fight for Topuria. Despite Holloway’s impressive record, he has never been knocked out in his career and has mostly avoided being knocked down. However, it’s worth noting that Gaethje did manage to sit Holloway down with a punch in their recent fight at UFC 300.
Topuria has achieved a number of knockouts in his career, and many are wondering if he has what it takes to be the first fighter to stop Holloway with strikes.
Volkanovski Praises The Max Holloway Chin
What are your thoughts on this upcoming fight? Do you think Ilia Topuria can be the first to break Holloway’s impressive streak?
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images and Embed from Getty Images
