Ilia Topuria’s first protection of his featherweight title in opposition to Max Holloway won’t include added incentives.
‘El Matador’ shocked the world when he put long-reigning champion Alexander Volkanovski to sleep within the second spherical final day trip. Since then, the Spaniard has been angling for a struggle in opposition to Holloway and was serious about competing for the BMF title — although that now appears unlikely.
Whereas discussing his upcoming title protection, Ilia Topuria revealed that the BMF strap will not be up for grabs at UFC 308 on October 26.
“No, the BMF title shouldn’t be going to be on the road,” Topuria confirmed. “To be sincere, I do not care.”
“They took that call and on the finish of the day, once I beat him, he can [remain] the BMF or [whatever] they need to name him.”
“I am simply concentrating on my title protection and that is it. I do not care about anything.”
Ilia Topuria confirms Max Holloway's BMF belt is NOT on the road at #UFC308 and guarantees "I’ll knock him out within the first spherical." 😳(by way of @MikeBohn) pic.twitter.com/q9rGW3pwzE
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) August 21, 2024
Topuria then doubled down on his perception that he’ll turn into the primary to knock Max Holloway out.
“Little doubt about that. What makes me really feel very enthusiastic about that struggle is that nobody may knock him out.”
“There isn’t a approach I am not going to knock him out. I would be the first one to knock him out as a result of each time I watch him struggle, I am like, I am approach higher than him.”
“For those who put me with him solely in kickboxing or boxing, even in a chess match, I beat him. No matter you need to do, boy, I beat you.”
Associated: Conor McGregor would not take into account Ilia Topuria a champion
Topuria went on to bash followers that imagine Holloway is among the greatest boxers within the sport.
“They do not know something about boxing. They do not know something about blended martial arts. They do not know something.”
“Who gave you that opinion? Individuals that do not prepare a day of their total life. It is only a matter of time.”
“I respect Max Holloway. He is been a fantastic fighter, he is given us nice fights. He appears to be a very good particular person. I respect him however I really feel like I am approach higher than him in every single place.”
“It’ll be an entire masterpiece. You will notice. I’ll knock him out within the first spherical, there isn’t any doubts about that.”
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