As the hype from UFC 307 begins to fade following a weekend of top-notch action, fans are now buzzing about UFC 308, where Max Holloway and Ilia Topuria are set to face off. Topuria will be defending his title for the first time, but this fight is really about determining who the best boxer in the UFC is. Both fighters have been trading jabs on social media, mocking each other constantly. However, despite their rivalry, ‘El Matador’ has expressed long-standing admiration for Holloway.
The featherweight champion and ‘Blessed’ recently met for the first time, albeit virtually, during an interview with ESPN MMA. In the interview, Brett Okamoto asked Holloway how Topuria got the BMF belt. Holloway jokingly replied that ‘El Matador’ must have bought it and admitted that Topuria is a fan of his. Surprisingly, Topuria didn’t deny it and acknowledged being a longtime fan of Holloway. ‘El Matador’ said,
“To be honest, I’ve been a [fan of Max Holloway] for many, many years. I’ve followed the prime of your career since I took my first steps in MMA. You were a great example for the new generation, but now it’s my time.”
Topuria and Holloway are both looking to assert their dominance in their upcoming bout and as the fight draws closer, the excitement continues to build. Despite El Matador’s admiration, the former featherweight champion also had praise for Topuria’s fighting style, adding more respect to the heated rivalry.
Max Holloway Gives Credit To Ilia Topuria’s Fighting Skills
The ongoing exchanges between Topuria and Holloway on social media and in interviews continue to heighten the excitement for their upcoming bout. Despite the rivalry, ‘Blessed’ took a moment to commend the featherweight champion’s skills. Holloway noted that Topuria managed to defeat Alexander Volkanovski, which he failed to do in three attempts. He remarked,
“He still had to win, and he still did it, and he still won, and he still is the champion. He’s a great fighter, he’s a good fighter. He’d be dumb to not think that he is. He got power…speed, but he never fought me yet.”
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The fight is generating immense hype, and fans are eagerly anticipating the showdown between these two hard hitters in the octagon. Can Topuria defend his title against Holloway? It’s just a matter of two weeks until we find out how it all unfolds.
Also Read: “F**k You Conor” – Ilia Topuria Unleashes Fury On Conor McGregor After Controversial ‘Slap’ Comments
