UFC featherweight star Diego Lopes is so close to a title shot that he can almost smell the belt. The Brazilian, of course, is ranked #3 in the 145-pound division and is also the backup fighter for the upcoming title bout. Max Holloway, of course, will take on featherweight champion Ilia Topuria at UFC 308 on October 26.

Should anything happen to either man before the fight, Lopes is set to step in. Given the fact that he is most likely going to fight the winner of Topuria-Holloway, Lopes’ take on the fight is something many want to know. Thankfully the Brazilian dynamo was asked his opinion on the cracking UFC 308 main event matchup in a recent interview. Here’s what the featherweight had to say, “I feel I still give a little bit of an advantage to Holloway. I mean, because of all the experience he has in the octagon, for all the fighters he has fought, for the fact that he has never been knocked out. We also know that anything can happen, he has very good power in your hands. But I’m still giving a little bit of advantage Max,”

Of course, ‘El Matador’ became champion in style by stopping the legendary, nigh unbeatable Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298. And since ‘Alexander the Great’ has already beaten Holloway thrice, some feel the Hawaiian has little chance against Topuria. But MMA math doesn’t quite work like that.

In addition, as Lopes pointed out, Holloway is already an all-time great, with an iron chin that has never failed him so far. But Ilia Topuria is nothing if not confident. The Spaniard is not only sure he will beat Holloway at UFC 308 but already knows what he wants to do next.

Ilia Topuria wants to move up and fight for the 155-pound title after UFC 308

Ilia Topuria, of course, has vowed to be the first man to knockout Max Holloway in their UFC 308 clash. So confident is the champ, who is big on the power of positive visualization and manifesting his destiny, that he admitted to feeling bad over what he will do to ‘Blessed’ in their mega-fight. “Max doesn’t even know what awaits him… Poor guy. I like him too much for what’s going to happen to him… He’s not going to be able to exchange with me, because he’s going to get what he needs. To have his nose put back in its place,” ‘El Matador’ said on a recent Instagram Live.

After defeating Holloway and proving he is indeed the best 145-pounder in the world, ‘El Matador’ has his eyes set on a historic achievement- becoming a two-division champ. Speaking to fans, Topuria made it clear that hopefully “[lightweight champ Islam] Makhachev will be next after this fight. [I] hope after this fight.” 

What are your predictions for Topuria-Holloway? Do you think Topuria has earned the distinction to move up if he beats Holloway at UFC 308? Drop your views in the comment box below!