Ilia Topuria in victory over Max Holloway No. UFC 308. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram UFC Europe
Ilia Topuria, at 28 years old, is already one of the most successful fighters in UFC history. The Spaniard is the only athlete to win two UFC belts undefeated, and with 17 wins under his belt, he boasts a collection of heavyweights, placing him at the level of a major sports star. However, Max Holloway, in addition to the talent inside the octagon, the timing factor has favored the performance of 'El Matador'.
In an interview with 'CBS Sports,' Holloway acknowledged that Topuria defeated high-level opponents during his UFC career, but pointed out that the timing of these fights was crucial to the results. According to the Hawaiian, it's crucial to consider the context of the fights, not just the names involved.
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“It’s complicated, right? He’s beaten some big names, and there’s no denying that. But when you analyze it, everything that’s happening is boring. If you look at that fight with Volk, Volk was coming off what he went through (a knockout he suffered against Islam makhachev). It's kind of crazy. But people just look at the name. They don't look at the context," Holloway said.
For Holloway, the public tends to consider only the prestige of the opponents defeated by Topuria, such as Volkanovski, himself and charles do brox, ignoring the fact that some of them were in shaky phases. Still, the Hawaiian admits that the Spaniard is doing his part by beating everyone the UFC puts in his path, fulfilling his role as a dominant challenger with merit.
"They just think, 'Oh, Volk was the champion,' and then me, then Charles. Charles was coming off a single victory. At the end of the day, these are just moments, these are just names. They're certainly historic names that he defeated. But he's doing what he has to do. The UFC is putting up opponents, and he's taking them down one by one. So, credit to him," concluded the Hawaiian.
Ilia Topuria's UFC Winning Streak
Hired by UFC in 2020, Ilia Topuria has nine victories in the world's largest MMA organization, six by knockout and one by submission. The Spaniard won the featherweight belt (up to 65,7 kg) by defeating Alexander Volkanovsky and then successfully defended the title against Max Holloway. He later abandoned the category throne to move up a division and win the lightweight belt (up to 70,2 kg) by overcoming charles do brox.
Max Holloway faces Dustin Poirier at UFC 318
Holloway (left) and Poirier (right) were in the main fight of the UFC 236. Photo: Reproduction / YouTube
Defeated by Ilia Topuria in the featherweight division, Max Holloway followed in his rival's footsteps and made a definitive change of weight class. The Hawaiian now defends the 'BMF' belt in the trilogy against Dustin poirier, this Saturday, in the main fight of UFC 318.
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