Ilia Topuria Challenges Max Holloway Head of UFC 308
Ilia Topuria Challenges Max Holloway Head of UFC 308
By Tim Burke October 10, 2024 12:57
UFC 308 is fast approaching and is the biggest fight of 2024. Holloway (26-7) is the former featherweight champion and current BMF champion. The fan-favorite fighter stunned MMA fans by knocking out Justin Gaethje at UFC 300 to become the BMF champion.
Topuria 15-0 has already done what Max Holloway failed to do on three occasions, as Topuria knocked out Alexander Volkanovski in the second round at UFC 298.
All eyes will be on UFC 308, and there is much more than the featherweight championship on the line. A fight of this magnitude would likely see the winner becoming the face of the UFC promotion.
On Wednesday, October 9th, Max Holloway and Ilia Topuria were interviewed on ESPN, moderated by Brendan Fitzgerald to promote UFC 308.
Topuria pushed for Holloway's BMF belt to be on the line at UFC 308, which will not be the case. However, he has been walking around with a BMF belt in recent weeks.
"He bought it. He is a fan. He has been a fan for many years." Holloway stated on Topuria's BMF belt."
Topuria acknowledged he is a fan of Max Holloway but it is now his time to be champion.
Following Holloway's UFC 300, fans pointed out that Topuria looked nervous or scared when the camera panned to him. He has put those rumors to rest in recent weeks displaying great confidence that he will be the first fighter to knock out Max Holloway.
“I challenge you to have that exchange in the first 10 seconds of the fight and you will see what’s going to happen. When you face a fighter like me inside the octagon, who brings that technique and that power, you can’t do that." Topuria told Holloway in the heated interview on ESPN.
Topuria has been heard that his goal is to knock out Holloway and then face Islam Makhachev in 2025.With a win at UFC 308, Topuria is a lock for Fighter of the Year. Still, he has a tough challenge in Max Holloway ahead of him. The build surrounding UFC 308 has been terrific. Holloway and Topuria have done an excellent job of selling this fight. Topuria is aware of what he needs to do to be the face of the UFC and a win at UFC 308 will secure that.
UFC 308 is set to be a pivotal event in 2024, featuring a high-stakes matchup between former champion Max Holloway and undefeated contender Ilia Topuria, with the potential for the winner to emerge as the new face of the UFC. The intense rivalry and promotional efforts surrounding the fight have heightened anticipation, underscoring the significance of this bout in both fighters' careers.