Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway engaged in a heated virtual interview ahead of their UFC 308 featherweight championship fight, with Topuria expressing confidence in defeating Holloway, who responded with humor and determination.
Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway faced off in a fiery virtual interview ahead of their featherweight championship clash at UFC 308. This much-anticipated main event is set for later this month. Brendan Fitzgerald, the voice of the octagon, played mediator for the heated exchange.
Topuria, who snagged the title with a jaw-dropping knockout of Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298, didn’t hold back. “El Matador” confidently predicted a similar outcome for Holloway. “You’ll be lights out for the first time,” he declared to Holloway via ESPN MMA. Bold words.
Holloway, laughing off Topuria’s bravado, had his own retort. As the current BMF champ, following his knockout of Justin Gaethje at UFC 300, “Blessed” promised a sweet surprise for Topuria. “I took a lot of people’s donuts,” he quipped. “Hope you like churros.”
Topuria’s confidence was no fluke—he backed it up against Volkanovski, bringing UFC gold to Spain. And now? He’s ready to put Holloway in his place. “I already opened a home for old people,” he teased. “Volk has his room; I’ve got one for you too.”
One comment from Topuria caught Holloway’s attention: that Holloway was “forced” into this fight. Not so fast! Holloway shot back, saying Topuria was actually his first choice. “I wanted the easiest fight,” he said with a grin.
As the showdown looms, both fighters are amped and ready. Topuria is doubling down on his promise to stop Holloway, hoping the BMF champ shows up in Abu Dhabi. “Oct. 26, I’m taking your lights out,” he vowed.
Holloway wasn’t backing down either. “I’ll show up every single time,” he assured. Both men seem eager to prove themselves under the bright lights of UFC 308. A clash of titans is imminent!