Dustin Poirier can’t see Max Holloway’s Ilia Topuria KO

Dustin Poirier is one of the most prolific knockout artists in UFC history. And if he couldn’t turn off Max Holloway’s lights, he’ll have a hard time watching Ilia Topuria at UFC 308.

Topuria (15-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC) was adamant that he will be the first to stop Holloway (26-7 MMA, 22-7 UFC) with punches in MMA competition when they do so on Saturday meet in the headlining featherweight title fight at the Etihad Arena on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi (ESPN+ pay-per-view, ESPN+). He has promised to eliminate “Blessed” at every turn, which is a bold statement considering Holloway has fought the most fights in the history of the Octagon without being knocked down.

Poirier, who was among the few fighters to defeat Holloway in the Octagon in their epic Fight of the Year candidate at UFC 236 in April 2019, can’t wait for Topuria to do what so many others before him couldn’t.

“To go out there and beat Max with one punch, I think it’s going to be almost impossible,” Poirier said on “The Bohnfire” podcast with MMA Junkie senior reporter Mike Bohn. “That can definitely happen. But I don’t think that will be the case.”

Poirier will work as a desk analyst for UFC 308 alongside Brendan Fitzgerald, Chael Sonnen and Din Thomas. He’s leaning toward Holloway walking away from the highly anticipated matchup with the belt, but said it would be a great statement from Topuria if he made it.

“This is a big test,” Poirier said. “If he goes in there and beats Max, or matches Max in the volume game and beats him, beats him technically on the feet – that will say so much about Ilia and his future.”

“I can’t decide against Max. I could see Topuria winning, but only Max, the experience and the championship fights he has been in.”

For more information on the card, check out MMA Junkie’s UFC 308 event hub.