“He has the power”… Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway, predicted by Sean Strickland, Israel Adesanya and more fighters ahead of UFC 308

Topuria became a champion by brutally knocking out Alexander Volkanvoski, who had defeated Holloway three times, in the second round of their UFC 298 headliner in February.

MMA math suggests he will do the same with “Blessed.” However, many people are supporting the Hawaiian to regain his belt after watching Holloway sensationally defeat Justin Gaethje in the final seconds of their BMF fight at UFC 300 in April.

UFC stars predict Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway

BloodyElbow.com has put together a list of UFC 308 predictions from some of MMA’s biggest stars.

Alexander Volkanovsky: “I think he’ll be able to outplay him from the outside and five rounds with Max Holloway isn’t easy, especially when you’re a pop and rocker looking for that power (punch).

“Look, he could get him, but I think it’s going to be a long and hard night for Topuria, and that’s not because I beat the guy, it’s just because I’ve fought Max three times and I know how well the guy is. I know how to prepare for this guy.”

Israel Adesanya: “I’m going to go with Max Holloway because I feel like he’s the one because of his depth of work, the bodies he’s faced in the octagon, the experience, the octagon time he’s got… I think when it comes to the fourth and Going into the fifth round, he is exactly the right person to thrive.”

Tom Aspinall: “I think I’ll go out there and say that Ilia Topuria can put him down. He has the power and he mixes it so well between disciplines. I wouldn’t be surprised if Max Holloway were to drop out in this fight.”

Belal Muhammad: “I think Max will beat him and we won’t hear much from him, he’ll be quiet after that.”

Chael Sonnen: “What happens if Topuria takes out Max Holloway, which I think is the only way to beat him?” I think one of these guys has to stop the other because that heartbeat and determination, “I’m after you, “I’m going to keep trying to win,” I don’t think it’s a change, freaky.”

Max Holloway is much loved by his fellow fighters

Sean Strickland: “I like Max, he’s the man. You know, he’s a fucking legend, he’s given us so many great fights, and every time Max fights, I just pick Max.”

Robert Whittaker: “I have to say I’m leaning towards Holloway. But in saying that, I want to see Topuria tell his story. His skills are so high. I think it’s extremely underrated at the moment.

“Maybe it’s because of the notoriety and he wasn’t in as many headlines [fights] Like Holloway did, because he hasn’t done the work on paper yet. But if I had the gun to my head, I would have to lean towards Holloway.”

Cory Sandagen: “I’m going Ilia. Just because I think it’s really versatile. It hurts to say this, but I’ll just go, Ilia.”

Curtis Blaydes: “I’m going Max.”

Kevin Lee: “It will be a devastating war, I think. And I think Max’s experience will probably take him even further. So if you put a gun to my head, I’ll say Max Holloway.”

Diego Lopes: “I think it will be a very interesting fight, but I’m leaning towards Max.”

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