Max Holloway “loves being the underdog” vs. Ilia Topuria at UFC 308

Max Holloway is considered by many fans to be the greatest featherweight of all time, but the former 145-pound champion is the underdog in his UFC 308 main event fight against… Ilia Topuria – and that’s exactly where he wants to be!

TMZ Sports spoke to the 32-year-old Holloway just days before the title fight… and Blessed feels blessed to be in this position.

“Ultimately, styles lead to fights. He has a funny style. I have a fun style. When I think about his fighting style, it puts a smile on my face. I love taking part in these fights. I love being the underdog.” “And I can’t wait to see what he’s all about on October 26th,” Max told us.

FYI: Max betting odds are around +220 (more or less depending on the sportsbook) … meaning bettors would win $220 per $100 wagered.

Holloway also spoke about the opportunity presented to him.

“The blessed era is in effect. The blessed express has begun. We have the chance, we have the chance to become two-time featherweight champions. I can’t wait, man. I can barely wait for it.”

We also spoke to Max about potentially winning the belt a second time (MH was champion from mid-2017 to late 2019).

“I can’t wait to hear ‘And New’ and raise my hand. I think it will bring balance back to the world. The world is out of balance right now. Get that title back and bring the balance back,” Holloway said with a smile.

Max doesn’t think too far into the future about what he wants to do in Topuria.

“First things first. It’s Ilia Topuria, coming October 26th. I would be stupid, I would be stupid to overlook this man. At the end of the day, after the fight, if everything goes well, ask me the question: ‘Because right now he has my full concentration.