Ilia Topuria is aware of the world received’t consider it till they see it, however the UFC featherweight champ is definite he’ll grow to be the primary to knock out Max Holloway in MMA competitors.
Topuria (15-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC) has boldly claimed he’ll crack the legendary chin of Holloway (26-7 MMA, 22-7 UFC) ever since he received gold from Alexander Volkanovski with a second-round knockout at UFC 298 in February. He’ll now get the possibility to show it after they meet for his belt within the UFC 308 headliner, which takes place Oct. 26 at Etihad Area on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi (ESPN+ pay-per-view, ESPN, ESPN+).
Holloway formally owns the document for many fights within the octagon with out being knocked down, although he admits Justin Gaethje ended that run of their BMF title battle at UFC 300. Nonetheless, the stats didn’t rely it as one, however Topuria stated that received’t final for much longer. He is aware of many, together with his fellow fighters, are doubting his unbelievable confidence, however stated the world will grow to be believers as soon as his efficiency unfolds.
“(Fighters choosing in opposition to me) don’t know something – they’re all going to be so shocked after I knock him out,” Topuria instructed MMA Junkie. “Once I see that sort of movies with individuals giving their opinions and saying that Max goes to knock (me) out or he’s going to win that match. I simply understand that they don’t know something concerning the sport. They don’t know something. Or possibly they don’t wish to give me the credit score for every part I’ve performed on this sport and the way good I’m in actuality. Possibly it’s that.”
Holloway is likely one of the most beloved fighters in UFC historical past, and that diploma of fanfare can generally skew perceptions. Topuria has the respect of the oddsmakers, nonetheless, as a result of he opened because the betting favourite forward of UFC 308.
A part of the explanation Holloway has such a loyal following is due to his can’t-miss combating model and memorable moments, equivalent to when he pointed to the octagon canvas previous to knocking out Gaethje within the closing second for the Knockout of the 12 months frontrunner.
Topuria warns “Blessed” to not play that sport with him, although, as a result of he predicts the outcomes could be devastating.
“If he’s going to convey the identical vitality he brings within the final 10 seconds of each spherical when he does his (level to floor), I’m going to knock him out within the first spherical,” Topuria stated. “As a result of within the second he’s going to cease within the center and begin to change the punches with me. I like to recommend him to make use of a helmet, as a result of he’s going to wish.
“If he does it, even higher for me. Possibly I’m going to level to the bottom. Possibly I’ll do all that as a result of I’m going to really feel so comfy in that battle as a result of I’m telling you, each time I see him battle I’m like, ‘Everybody goes to be shocked after I knock him out,’ as a result of I see him as like such a simple matchup for me. If he thinks that I’m not proper, show me mistaken. We’re going to be in the identical octagon Oct. 26. Show me mistaken.”
For extra on the cardboard, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion hub for UFC 308.
You should definitely go to the MMA Junkie Instagram web page and YouTube channel to debate this and extra content material with followers of combined martial arts.
