Ilia Topuria knows the world won’t believe it until they see it, but the UFC featherweight champ is certain he will become the first to knock out Max Holloway in MMA competition.
Topuria (15-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC) has boldly claimed he will crack the legendary chin of Holloway (26-7 MMA, 22-7 UFC) ever since he won gold from Alexander Volkanovski with a second-round knockout at UFC 298 in February. He will now get the chance to prove it when they meet for his belt in the UFC 308 headliner, which takes place Oct. 26 at Etihad Arena on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi (ESPN+ pay-per-view, ESPN, ESPN+).
Holloway officially owns the record for most fights in the octagon without being knocked down, though he admits Justin Gaethje ended that run in their BMF title fight at UFC 300. However, the stats didn’t count it as one, but Topuria said that won’t last much longer. He knows many, including his fellow fighters, are doubting his incredible confidence, but said the world will become believers once his performance unfolds.
