Ilia Topuria surprises and praises rival, but guarantees: 'He is not the best boxer in the UFC'

Ilia Topuria is the UFC featherweight champion. Photo: Instagram / UFC Europe

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The undefeated in MMA, Ilia Topuria, tries to defend his belt for the first time in UFC 308, scheduled for Saturday (26), in Abu Dhabi. But on its way is Max Holloway, who calls himself the best boxer in the UFC. Although he recognizes his rival's quality, the Spaniard disagrees with the statement.

In January 2021, while facing Calvin Kattar, Holloway euphorically shouted that he was the greatest boxer in the UFC. Despite recognizing the Hawaiian as a good striker, Topuria disagreed with the 'Blessed One' and promised, in the 'Half Day' do UFC 308, that when they face each other, Max will feel something he has never felt before.

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“He’s actually a good striker. It’s not just boxing, because calling himself the best boxer in the UFC is kind of a shame, he’s not the best boxer in the UFC, but he’s a good striker. He has a lot of experience. He’s very patient inside the Octagon. But everyone is good when they can develop their style in the Octagon and someone isn’t putting pressure on them. So on Saturday night, he’s going to feel something he’s never felt with any other opponent he’s had in the past. The pressure he’s going to feel with me is going to be completely different,” said the featherweight champion (up to 65,7 kg).

Max Holloway outdated?
The featherweight champion believes that the Hawaiian did not keep up with the demands of the sport and remained excessively focused on striking. Topuria claims that his approach is more complete and that this difference between them will be evident in the fight.

“The way I apply the techniques and the skills to my opponent, the way I move my head, the way I dominate the octagon, that’s the difference. What evolution do you see in Max Holloway “In every fight? Maybe just in striking. But you don’t see him improving in wrestling or on the ground, you don’t see him trying new things. Just in striking. That’s what I’m talking about. I try to evolve my game all the time, not just in striking. With wrestling, the ground game, everything,” concluded ‘El Matador’.

At 32 years old, Holloway has a record of 26 wins and 7 losses. On the other hand, Ilia Topuria has 15 wins in 15 fights. The fighters face each other in UFC 308, this Saturday (26), in Abu Dhabi.