Watch UFC 308: Topuria vs. Holloway time, prelims, main card

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Topuria will defend the featherweight title for the first time against Holloway at UFC 308

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Featherweight champion Ilia Topuria remains a fan of Max Holloway, calling the Hawaiian an inspiration for his UFC career.

But Topuria, 27, said he plans to put any positive feelings aside Saturday night when Holloway becomes his opponent at UFC 308.

“I have every respect for him,” Topuria said. “He is a great fighter. He has done many great things in this sport. You can’t take credit for anything from him, so I learned many, many things from him. He called me a fan. Yes, I followed his career. I was a fan. He was a great role model for me, but now it’s time to be that role model for the new generation.”

Topuria (15-0), who was born in Germany to Georgian parents but lives in Spain, is making his first title defense. He is a -250 favorite at BetMGM Sportsbook.

Topuria captured the belt with a second-round technical knockout over Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298 on February 17 in Anaheim, California. Volkanovski held the title for four years and successfully defended it five times.

Until Topuria took control from the start.

“I think he’s an animal,” Holloway said. “A lot of people forget that when he came to the UFC, he went straight in as a grappler and wrestler. That was him. He came to the UFC and started knocking guys out. His boxing is good as a fighter. You can’t be a hater and say he’s not good. He did what he had to do to get to the position he has. So that’s not disrespectful.

“But you can see me coming Saturday night.”

Holloway (26-7) showed he’s willing to take risks at UFC 300 on April 13 in Las Vegas in what could be the fight of the year. He was well ahead of Justin Gaethje in the fight for the ceremonial BMF title belt when Holloway pointed to the mat as the clock ticked down, indicating he was ready to push through.

And he did, sending Gaethje to the ground with a second lead and scoring a stunning finish.

Now the 32-year-old Holloway has his shot at the belt as the second-ranked challenger after winning four of his last five fights. His only loss came via unanimous decision to Volkanovski at UFC 276 in 2022 in Las Vegas.

He faces an opponent who has only gone the distance in two of his 15 fights.

“His cardio beats his opponent’s cardio because he hurts them early in their fights,” Holloway said. “The nice thing is, I can’t wait. It will be special. Tune in Saturday night.”

Topuria said he was willing to do anything, whether it was ending the fight quickly or going the full five rounds.

“I’m ready for 10 or 15 rounds,” Topuria said. “Whatever he wants to do, I can do it. But I don’t think the fight will go the distance. I’ll deal with him first.”

In the co-main event, No. 3 middleweight contender Robert Whittaker (27-7) of Australia meets No. 13 Khamzat Chimaev (13-0) of Russia.

The Associated Press contributed to this article.