Holloway compares the strength of Gaethje and Topuria's punches ahead of UFC 318: "He hits harder…"

Ilia Topuria in victory over Max Holloway No. UFC 308. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram UFC Europe

On the eve of the long-awaited rematch against Dustin poirier, valid for the BMF belt at UFC 318, Max Holloway caused controversy when commenting on the differences in impact between the blows of Justin gaethje e Ilia Topuria. In an interview with ESPN, the former champion says that the American hits harder than the Georgian, despite having been knocked out by the current lightweight champion (up to 70,3 kg).

"I felt some of Gaethje's punches that seemed harder, but obviously [Topuria] took me down. With Ilia, I didn't feel anything. Of course he took me down, so obviously he hits hard too," said the fighter.

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Holloway has contrasting experiences with both fighters. The Hawaiian defeated Gaethje in one of the most historic fights, held at UFC 300. On that occasion, in a fight also valid for the 'BMF' belt, the Hawaiian challenged his opponent to fight in the center of the octagon, with only ten seconds remaining.

In the final exchange, an overhand right landed on the tip of the American's chin, knocking him out with just one second on the clock.

Against Topuria, on the other hand, Max was knocked out for the first time in his career. The fighter, until then, was a title challenger and tried to reclaim his place as the best featherweight (up to 65,7 kg) in the world, but succumbed to the Hawaiian's knockout power.