Max Holloway has felt Ilia Topuria’s punching energy, and his evaluation would possibly shock you.
Holloway shared the Octagon with Topuria at UFC 308 and ended up struggling his first knockout loss. It was a profitable UFC Featherweight Championship protection for “El Matador,” who moved on to seize the light-weight gold by knocking out Chares Oliveira.
Many have been in awe of Topuria’s capability to sleep future UFC Corridor of Famers who stay aggressive, however “Blessed” has a unique tackle his foe’s energy.
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Holloway on Topuria’s Punching Energy
Throughout an interview with Stake, Max Holloway mentioned he doesn’t view Ilia Topuria as one of many nice energy punchers. He even named a earlier opponent who he feels hits more durable than “El Matador” (by way of Championship Rounds).
“Once I was in there, I didn’t really feel like this man [Ilia] hit a lot more durable. However the man should hit laborious…
However evaluating his punch. Once I fought Gaethje, I felt some issues. I felt that Gaethje hits laborious and Gaethje kicks laborious. When Ilia when he hit me, nothing was like, ‘oh man, he hits laborious or no matter.’”
Holloway will look to rebound from the loss to Topuria when he faces Dustin Poirier for the third and last time. Poirier has two victories over Holloway and needs to finish his profession by going 3-0 within the trilogy. The bout takes place at UFC 318 on July 19 in New Orleans.
As for Topuria, he’s recent off the aforementioned light-weight title win in opposition to Charles Oliveira. “El Matador” isn’t brief on choices for his subsequent struggle. Contenders Arman Tsarukyan, Justin Gaethje, and Paddy Pimblett had been all in attendance for Topuria’s 155-pound win. Pimblett even had a staredown with the newly minted light-weight champion, which led to a shove.
