Max Holloway, the former featherweight champion and current BMF titleholder, is gearing up for his UFC 308 bout in Abu Dhabi. He’s set to take on undefeated rising star Ilia Topuria. But while the fight has everyone excited, Holloway has some unique views on his opponent.
In an interview with Stake.com, Holloway described Topuria as a “weird dude.” He elaborated on the odd vibe he gets from the Spaniard-Georgian fighter, hinting that Topuria might actually be a fan of his.
“He’s an odd fella,” Holloway said. “I can’t get a read on him, to be honest. I think he’s a fan of me deep down, though. He just can’t deny it. I mean, he bought a BMF belt, that’s weird, right?”
Holloway’s comment about the BMF belt refers to Topuria purchasing a replica belt, which Holloway found amusing. The two are set for an intense showdown, but Holloway isn’t shy about the mind games before stepping into the octagon.
Max Holloway Calls Ilia Topuria a ‘Weird Dude’ Ahead of UFC 308
While Max Holloway is known for his laid-back personality outside the cage, he’s no stranger to big fights. UFC 308 could be one of the defining moments of his career, and he’s fully aware of the stakes. He’s already beaten some of the best fighters in the world, but taking down an undefeated opponent like Topuria would be a major milestone.
“This victory would be in the top three of my career, for sure,” Holloway said. “Winning that first title will always be special. Beating Jose Aldo, the King of Rio and an idol of mine, nothing will ever beat that I don’t think.”
Holloway has a deep respect for Aldo, who he defeated twice in 2017, which cemented his status as one of the greatest featherweights of all time. But despite his past accomplishments, Holloway believes that a win over Topuria, with his diverse skills and unblemished record, would be a huge achievement in his career.
“Secondly, the [UFC] 300 moment has to be up there for me,” Holloway explained. “All of the build-up and the lead-up to it, there were so many things going on it felt bigger than the BMF title.”
That moment at UFC 300, where Holloway knocked out Justin Gaethje with a buzzer-beating head kick, still stands out as one of the most electrifying moments in UFC history. Holloway recognizes that surpassing it will be tough, but his upcoming fight with Topuria presents a unique challenge.
Holloway on UFC 308
Topuria, who has quickly become one of the most talked-about fighters in the featherweight division, represents the next wave of MMA talent. Holloway, a seasoned veteran, sees this fight as more than just a title defence. It’s a battle between the old guard and the new, and it’s one that could define the future of the division.
“Unless I can do something crazy to top that UFC 300 moment, then it might be second,” Holloway continued. “It will 100% be a top-three moment in my career, not just because it is for the title but also because of who it is against. This new generation guy, with a variety of different skills, he’s so powerful and athletic – but beating him would make this a top-three moment of my career for sure.”
Topuria’s athleticism and power have been on display throughout his undefeated run, and Holloway recognizes the challenge ahead. But he’s confident that his experience and fight IQ will give him the edge in the cage.
As fight night approaches, fans are eager to see whether Max Holloway can defend his title and prove that he’s still one of the best in the game, or if Topuria will continue his unbeaten streak and usher in a new era in the featherweight division.
Whatever the outcome, this fight promises to be one of the most anticipated matchups of UFC 308.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images and Embed from Getty Images
