Max Holloway and Ilia Topuria have had some fascinating back-and-forths previous their struggle’s official announcement for UFC 308 subsequent month (Sat., Oct. 26, 2024).
Since Holloway claimed the Baddest Motherf*cker (BMF) title at UFC 300 in April 2024, he’s had his sights set on the Featherweight champion, Topuria. The extra title was one which Topuria initially hoped to have on the road within the match up however his request wasn’t met. Topuria went to such lengths that he even acquired a reproduction belt, which “Blessed” discovered odd.
In the end, Holloway simply sees his subsequent championship opponent as one in every of his many adoring followers.
“After the [UFC] 300 second, the digicam’s on him and the dude is simply … he’s him, he’s himself. He’s an odd fella I’d say,” Holloway advised ESPN (h/t MMA Combating). “I simply seen yesterday some individuals had been tagging me on Twitter that he commented on one in every of my Instagram posts saying ‘let’s go Max.’ I believe he’s a fan of me.
“I believe he’s a fan of me, and I believe he can’t deny it,” he concluded. “I believe deep down inside, he’s actually cheering for me, which is sort of bizarre, however he’s an odd fella. He’s an odd fella for positive.”
Regardless of Holloway sleeping Justin Gaethje in unimaginable style on the aforementioned UFC 300 occasion (watch highlights), Topuria’s confidence in doing the identical to him hasn’t wavered. Holloway, 32, is flattered by the thought and hopes it provides an additional layer of motivation for “El Matador.”
“He thinks he is aware of one thing,” Holloway mentioned. “I’ve seen him say he thinks he’s going to be the primary one to place me out. If that’s what it’s worthwhile to get your self to the struggle, please preserve telling your self that each one the best way to Oct. 26. As a result of after we get in that Octagon, that cage door closes, we get to search out out.
“All this he mentioned, she mentioned stuff goes to exit the window, and we get to search out out who’s going to be the champion after that evening,” he concluded.
