Will Ilia Topuria Face Max Holloway at FW After Alexander Volkanovski Title Fight at UFC 298

Published 02/17/2024, 9:47 AM EST

Follow Us

via Imago

Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway are two of the top featherweights in the world. The former is set to face Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298 and potentially become the featherweight champion. Moreover, if he does become the featherweight champion, he might throw down in the cage against Max Holloway. Safe to say, this match-up is a real possibility.

America’s Favorite Video Today

Not to mention, both fighters in the past have weighed in on facing each other and left the door open. What do they have to say and what do we know about this match-up? Let’s unwrap it.

No love lost between the two fighters

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

From their comments, it appears they are not very fond of each other. Moreover, according to Holloway, Topuria would not be in a position to compete for the title had he fought him beforehand. During a recent public pressor, he said, “There’s a reason they didn’t give me Ilia,” moreover, he claims that the current featherweight would get the better of Topuria.

Moreover, Topuria is no fan of Holloway either. According to him, fighting Holloway is a worthless endeavour because of his series of defeats against Volkanovski. According to Yahoo, he said, “I’m going to beat a guy that whooped his ass three times, how? It doesn’t make any sense.” Not to mention, he expressed his interest to face Conor McGregor in a heavier-weight division.

Trending

Get instantly notified of the hottest UFC stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Safe to say he does not have Holloway high up on his list of desired opponents. That being said, the likelihood of him having a choice to move up is less. Despite his will, he might be asked or even forced to compete against Holloway if he becomes the champion. In such a scenario, how would their bout go down? Let’s see what the statistics suggest.

Statistics of Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway

On paper, this bout is quite evenly matched and that is what is the most exciting part. In terms of height, Holloway has the advantage of 3 inches as he stands tall at 5’11 as opposed to Topuria being 5’8. Moreover, Topuria has a better submission finish ratio at 57% as opposed to Holloway having it at a mere 8%. That being said, Holloway triumphs in the department of TKO/KO victories.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

So far as experience is concerned, there is no debate as Holloway more than double the number of bouts under his belt when compared with Topuria. However, it bears mention that Topuria has youth on the side and unlike Holloway, he has never been defeated, as of yet.

Watch This Story: Conor McGregor Receives His Main Event as Ilia Topuria Demands UFC Spain After Michael Chandler Fight

The aforementioned information gives an insight into this match-up. The likelihood of this match-up is subject to several future circumstances. However, if it does take place, how do you see it playing out? Share with us your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

ADVERTISEMENT

Written by:

Harddit Bedi

894Articles

One take at a time

Harddit Bedi is a UFC writer at EssentiallySports. With over 2 years of writing experience, Harddit started his ES journey covering boxing and then moved to MMA. For that same reason, he is a top choice for cross-sports coverage.
Show More>

Edited by:

Anuj Jacob

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

EDITORS' PICK

America’s Favorite Video Today