Ilia Topuria says Max Holloway ‘such an easy matchup for me’

Ilia Topuria is aware of the world received’t imagine it till they see it, however the UFC featherweight champ is for certain 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 prospect to show it once 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 unimaginable 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 informed 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 notice that they don’t know something concerning the sport. They don’t know something. Or perhaps they don’t wish to give me the credit score for the whole lot I’ve executed on this sport and the way good I’m in actuality. Perhaps it’s that.”

Holloway is among the most beloved fighters in UFC historical past, and that diploma of fanfare can typically skew perceptions. Topuria has the respect of the oddsmakers, nevertheless, 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 preventing model and memorable moments, corresponding to when he pointed to the octagon canvas previous to knocking out Gaethje within the last second for the Knockout of the Yr frontrunner.

Topuria warns “Blessed” to not play that sport with him, although, as a result of he predicts the outcomes can be devastating.

“If he’s going to carry the identical power 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 want.

“If he does it, even higher for me. Perhaps I’m going to level to the bottom. Perhaps I’ll do all that as a result of I’m going to really feel so snug 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 straightforward matchup for me. If he thinks that I’m not proper, show me incorrect. We’re going to be in the identical octagon Oct. 26. Show me incorrect.”

For extra on the cardboard, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion hub for UFC 308.