Max Holloway brushes of Ilia Topuria’s trash talk, and actually thinks’ the featherweight champion is a fan of his.
Holloway has been on a tear, working his way back into top contender status since his third loss to Alexander Volkanovski in 2022. His last three victories have been dominant, propelling him to the #2 ranking in the featherweight division. Notably, he secured a spectacular fifth-round knockout win over Justin Gaethje at UFC 300, earning him the “BMF” title. Now, Holloway prepares to face the current featherweight champion, Ilia Topuria, at UFC 308.
Topuria, it seems, is doing his best to get under Holloway’s skin ahead of the fight, making it abundantly clear that he considers Holloway an easy opponent. He confidently predicts that he’ll be the first to knock out “Blessed,” and he even believes he can do it in the first round. Ilia asserts that he outclasses Holloway in every aspect of the fight game: “I feel like I’m better than him, everywhere. Every time I watch him fight, I’m way better than him.”
Featherweight Legend Max Holloway Believes Ilia Topuria is Undeniably a Fan of His
In a recent ESPN interview, Max Holloway was asked about Topuria’s taunts and whether they’ve affected his mindset. Holloway couldn’t help but find amusement in the question. His response was candid:
That’s funny. What showed, or what did I do or say to show that he’s under my skin? Nobody can get under my skin. If we didn’t have a fight booked, I’d be kind of annoyed, but at the end of the day, we’re booked. October 26th, I get to punch you in the face, kick you, hit you… I get to fight you, bro. So why would I be mad? The guy is writing checks right now that his body might not be able to cash. The greatest thing ever is that we get to find out on October 26th.
Fans have noticed Topuria leaving inspiring comments on Holloway’s Instagram, including messages like “Let’s go Max!”
Holloway’s take?
I think he’s a fan of me, and I think he can’t deny it. Deep down inside, he’s really cheering for me. He’s an odd fella… for sure.
Never a Certainty
Oddsmakers have Topuria as a -160 favorite, while Holloway opens as a +140 underdog. Critics once doubted whether Holloway would ever contend for an undisputed title again after his unsuccessful attempts to reclaim the throne from Volkanovski. But here he is, fueled by determination:
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t good. He beat a guy that I had three cracks at and couldn’t figure out. A lot of people said I wouldn’t be in this position, that I wouldn’t be fighting for the featherweight title again, and I’m here. I’ve been going hard over the last few years trying to regain my throne. A lot of people laughed, but we’ll see who gets the last laugh come October 26th.
As they say, “styles make fights.” Volkanovski bested Holloway three times, but that doesn’t guarantee victory for the 27-year-old Topuria. He faces a hungry veteran seeking redemption in his very first title defense.
Holloway sums it up confidently: “He’s a great fighter. He’s got power, he’s got speed. But he’s never fought me yet.”
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
