MMA fighter Max Holloway is set to make a name for himself as he challenges UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuira for the title.
The match, which will take place at UFC 308, is set to be one of the most anticipated fights of the year. The former featherweight champ is set on reclaiming his title and has been working hard towards this shot. He finally got his ticket after his iconic KO of Justin Gaethje at UFC 300 to claim BMF.
“Everybody thought UFC 300 was amazing. Wait until they get to see the outcome of UFC 308, it’s going to be a good one,” Holloway said on his YouTube channel.
“I can’t wait. I’ve been going hard over the last few years trying to regain my throne. A lot of people laughed, but we’ll see who gets the last laugh come October 26.”
The fighter has had a long winning streak, and his only loss has been to Alexander Volkanovski. Holloway rebounded from his trilogy loss to Volkanovski with wins over Arnold Allen, Chan Sung Jung, and Gaethje. In the meantime, Volkanovski was knocked out by Topuria at UFC 298 in February. This set Holloway up for another opportunity at the title—something many doubted could happen.
“The break in between camps is super important, especially like how big UFC 300 was. The things I had to put my body through to put on a little bit more size. To go up a weight class [to lightweight] and fight a dangerous guy,” Holloway said.
“Even after the fight, my face might’ve looked clean, I still got hit in that fight. My leg was a little beat up, so the recovery for not only mental but physical was needed. Not everybody can be Alex Pereira and fight every other month.”
Holloway has always had plans to have a rematch with Topuira, and his opponent is up to the challenge. The champ is also ready for the fight and has promised to deliver a spectacular performance by knocking Holloway out. The former champ is prepared for this and has been looking forward to this opportunity to redeem himself.
“Never, ever give up,” Holloway said. “A lot of people said I wouldn’t be in this position. I wouldn’t be able to be fighting for the featherweight title again. And I’m here, and I can’t wait to get it going. Camp is just starting, we’re buckling down, and I’m excited.”
“I think this fight is the most anticipated fight in all of this year,” he added. “A lot of people were looking forward to UFC 300, especially because of with who was on that card, but being [on] UFC 308, me and Ilia, main-event. I think this is one of the most anticipated fights of this year and I can’t wait to go out there and show the world.”
The fight, which will headline UFC 308, will take place at the Eithad Arena in Abu Dhabi.
