UFC 308 will witness the featherweight clash between featherweight champ, Ilia Topuria and the current BMF champ, Max Holloway.Aft͏e͏͏r͏ wi͏n͏͏nin͏g th͏͏͏e͏ t͏i͏tl͏͏e͏, ‘E͏l͏ Ma͏t͏ador’ confe͏s͏s͏ed t͏͏ha͏t͏͏͏ ͏͏h͏͏e w͏͏o͏u͏ld͏n͏’t ͏͏l͏et͏ ͏͏͏Ma͏͏͏͏x͏ Hol͏l͏ow͏͏a͏y get n͏ear ͏͏th͏͏e tit͏le,͏ ͏as he di͏d͏͏n’͏t͏͏͏ ͏s͏ee͏͏ ‘Bles͏͏͏s͏ed’ as ͏͏a ͏͏pot͏enti͏a͏͏͏͏l ͏con͏͏t͏e͏͏nde͏͏r͏͏͏͏.͏ ͏H͏oweve͏͏r,͏͏ e͏͏ver͏͏yt͏h͏͏i͏͏͏ng c͏h͏ange͏͏d͏ when Ho͏llo͏͏w͏a͏y͏ st͏epped͏ into͏͏ th͏͏͏e ͏Octagon wi͏͏t͏͏h͏ ͏͏Justin G͏ae͏͏͏͏͏thj͏͏e. Hollway defeated Gaethje in style and his pointing to the ground became the highlight of the match.

However, according to Topuria, Holloway would face severe consequences if he tried to replicate what he did to Justin Gaethje. Holloway might be the favorite to win against ‘El Matador but Topuria understands that the community will not believe until they witness it. So, the featherweight champ has issued a stern warning to stay in his lane and fight.

Ilia Topuria issues a warning to Max Holloway not to replicate his signature move

In his career spanning over a decade, no one has knocked out Max Holloway. Well, another interesting fact about the Hawaiian fighter is that he had the longest record of not being taken down until he met Justin Gaethje at UFC 300. With a record of 26 victories and 7 defeats, Max Holloway is one of the most complete boxers in the UFC. The MMA world believes that Holloway would emerge victorious if he fights Ilia Topuria but the 145 champ would beg to differ.

El Matador understands that even those close to him doubt his boundless confidence. However, with an 86 % finish rate. What does this mean? Well, it means that he has finished 13 out of his 15 opponents till now. Topuria knows what fate awaits Holloway if he tries to do his signature, ‘Pointing to the ground’ move. While having a conversation with the media, Topuria said, “If he’s going to bring the same energy he brings in the last 10 seconds of every round when he does his (point to ground), I’m going to knock him out in the first round,” said Topuria.

He further added, “Because in the moment he’s going to stop in the middle and start to exchange the punches with me. I recommend him to use a helmet because he’s going to need one. If he does it, even better for me. Maybe I’m going to point to the ground. Maybe I will do all that because I’m going to feel so comfortable in that fight because I’m telling you, every time I see him fight I’m like, ‘Everyone is going to be surprised when I knock him out,’ because I see him as like such an easy matchup for me. If he thinks that I’m not right, prove me wrong. We’re going to be in the same octagon on Oct. 26. Prove me wrong.”

It ͏should be noted that ͏Ilia͏ Topuria de͏feated Alexan͏der Vo͏lkanovski͏ to clinch͏ the featherweight title, while Ma͏x Holloway was defeated by “Th͏e Great”͏ th͏ree tim͏es in his career. Well, the featherweight title is on the line but is the BMF belt also on the line? Let’s find out.

Is this a double-belt fight?

Generally, the champion has to defend their title, while the BMF holder may not need to relinquish theirs. Well, that’s true in this fight as well. In his latest take with the media, Ilia Topuria has emphasized that the “BMF’ belt will not be on the line, unlike his featherweight title. “No, the BMF title is not going to be on the line,” said Topuria.

This would bring Topuria’s situation to a down frame as he has everything to lose, unlike Holloway. He further added, “To be honest, I don’t care. They took that decision and at the end of the day it’s like, when I’m going to beat him he can’t say he’s a BMF or however they want to call him. I’m just concentrating on my title defense and that’s it. I don’t care about anything else.” 

Who do think would emerge victorious in their clash? State your thoughts in the comments below.