While Ilia Topuria might very well be the next big thing at 145 pounds, Max Holloway has been there before.
tenure that began in 2012. While “Blessed” can see some parallels betwen his and Topuria’s rise to the top, at this point in his career, the mind games that accompany pre-fight promotion don’t have much of an effect on the 32-year-old Hawaiian.main event on Saturday at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. The main card airs on pay-per-view via ESPN+ at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. ET, while prelims begin on ESPN+ at 10 a.m. ET/7 a.m. PT.
“I got my first belt against former champions…Your idols become your rivals. Ilia said he’s a big fan. So I guess he did what I did, and I respect that,” Holloway said in an interview with. “At the end of the day, all these mental games, and whatever he’s saying and whatever he’s trying to do, I’m not the one you’ve got to try that with. It’s strictly business for me. We get to fight. You can talk anything you like. , I get to punch you without getting arrested. It’s going to be a good night.
“If that’s what he needs for himself, feel indestructible. I go into every fight 0-0. He’s bringing up I lost seven times. Cool story, bro,” Holloway said. “.. In this sport, losing is very huge. I understand that. Some of the greatest guys in every other sport have a bunch of losses. What is LeBron James’ finals record?… I think he’s lost more than he won.
“Losses are only losses if you don’t learn. I learned every single damn time after every one. I just can’t wait to go in there and see what he’s about. He talks a big game and we get to find out how big it is.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Ilia Topuria Claims Max Holloway Tried to Avoid Fight, UFC Forced Him To AcceptUFC Featherweight champion Ilia Topuria has accused former titleholder Max Holloway of trying to avoid fighting him, claiming the promotion ultimately forced “Blessed” to accept the bout.
Read more »
Ilia Topuria Promises Quick KO If Max Holloway Agrees to Early Brawl at UFC 308Ilia Topuria is confident as ever going into his first featherweight title defense.
Read more »
UFC 308 Main Event Backup Diego Lopes Prefers Ilia Topuria MatchupIf all goes as planned, Diego Lopes won’t be needed on Oct. 26.
Read more »
Conor McGregor, Ilia Topuria Trade Barbs Ahead of UFC 308Conor McGregor is trading barbs with Ilia Topuria leading up to the latter’s title fight at UFC 308.
Read more »
Ilia Topuria Gunning for Islam Makhachev Match in 2025Ultimate Fighting Championship featherweight king Ilia Topuria is rallying hard for a double champ bid against lightweight champ Islam Makhachev.
Read more »
Featherweight Champ Ilia Topuria Gets Custom Fight Shorts for UFC 308Ilia Topuria will have some special, customized fight shorts for his first featherweight title defense.
Read more »