Current featherweight champion Ilia Topuria finally returns to action for his first title defense at UFC 308. The man he will be facing is none other than the BMF title holder Max Holloway. Topuria knocked out former champion Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298, giving us a glimpse of his power. His power will indeed be a cause of concern for Max Holloway according to a UFC veteran.

‘Blessed’ is fresh off a victory against Justin Gaethje at UFC 300 via knockout in the dying stages of the fight. However, the 33-year-old will have to change his game plan during his UFC 308 clash to come out on top.

Stephen Thompson has some words of advice for Max Holloway before his next fight

After his historic win at UFC 300, Max Holloway called out Ilia Topuria for a showdown. However, it now seems he might just face his toughest opponent to date in the division. ‘El Matador’ currently holds a record of 15-0 in his career, and many consider him the best striker in the division. Adding to that, Topuria is a profound wrestler and uses his wrestling skills very smartly in his fights. Stephen Thompson, during his conversation with ‘Submission Radio,’ broke down the strengths and weaknesses of both fighters.

According to Stephen Thompson, Topuria has the power to end the fight with a single punch, which is a cause of concern for ‘Blessed.’ He said, “I think it’s a tough fight for Max Holloway. The reason that is like Topuria is the type of guy who’s got one hitter quitter power right.” If we closely analyze Holloway’s fight, we see that the 33-year-old follows a pattern. The BMF title holder relies on his elite conditioning to wear his opponents out and then knock them out. But this might not work with the champion feels Thompson. Topuria can match Holloway in terms of his conditioning, and the more they engage, the more the fight will fall into the lap of the Spaniard.

So what should Holloway do in his fight? Thompson, after mapping out all possibilities, said, “It takes just one hit with that guy to put you to sleep. But I think Max Holloway is a very intelligent fighter. So I know he’s got a game plan going into this. If he can touch him up and stay moving and prevent Topuria from sitting down on his punches. I think he’s got a chance.” 

The fight has already picked up traction after recent exchanges between the two fighters got heated. More so after Holloway claimed that the UFC had been protecting the Spanish-Georgian fighter from the wrath of Holloway. Topuria, after listening to all claims, responded to his next opponent in his style.

Ilia Topuria predicts the outcome of his fight against Max Holloway at UFC 308

Just a few weeks back, former UFC featherweight champion Max Holloway raised his voice about his upcoming fight against ‘El Matador’. ‘Blessed’ feels that the promotion had been safe-guarding the young fighter away from his challenge for reasons still unknown. At a recent press conference, Holloway pointed out how the UFC has made him fight almost every other contender in the featherweight division apart from the champion. Is Ilia Topuria shying away from the challenge of ‘Blessed’?

Topuria has finally responded to all such allegations and reminded Holloway about the challenge ahead of him. He said, “It’s going to be like everyone else. As soon as he starts to really fight me and start exchanging blows, that’s the end of the fight. Nobody can exchange blows with me, not only because of my power but because of the technique I apply to each movement. They don’t see me coming. The changes of pace that I introduce are something that they are not used to, you know? They are not used to the game I propose.” Holloway is known for his dynamic fighting style and relentless attitude inside the Octagon. He has been the mainstay of the division for quite some time now, with multiple defenses of his featherweight gold.

However, he will be up against a young fighter who is currently in his prime. Do you think Max Holloway can outstrike Ilia Topuria at UFC 308? Let us know your picks in the comments below.