Heading into his UFC 308 title fight against Max Holloway, featherweight champion Ilia Topuria was counted out by most of his fellow fighters and even soccer star, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Despite his undefeated status and the fact he viciously knocked out Alexander Volkanovski in his last fight, Ilia Topuria still had doubters to prove wrong in his UFC 308 main event against Max Holloway.
The 27-year-old did just that by becoming the first fighter ever to knock out ‘Blessed’ Holloway, defending his 145lb title emphatically.
Cristiano Ronaldo questioned Ilia Topuria’s credentials before UFC 308 KO
Someone who wasn’t so sure ‘El Matador’ was ready for the test of Holloway, was soccer icon, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Prior to his win over ‘The Great’ Volkanovski, Topuria had only faced two ranked opponents in the featherweight division, so his ceiling was still relatively unknown.
Topuria then went on to knock out Volkanovski in tremendous fashion, but the win was slightly clouded by the fact that Volkanovski returned too soon following his KO loss over Islam Makhachev.
Viral footage has emerged of Ronaldo recently talking to top MMA coach, Eric Nicksick and PFL heavyweight, Francis Ngannou, before Ngannou’s MMA comeback against Renan Ferreira.
“What do you think about the main event (for UFC 308),” Ronaldo asked Nicksick.
“I think I lean towards Max (Holloway),” Nicksick responded.
“I like Max. He’s a tough guy. (Topuria) talks too much. He didn’t show, I think when he beat Volkanovski, Volk wasn’t ready because of that kick (from Makhachev), and he didn’t recover. But Topuria didn’t fight with the top guys, if he beats Max I will respect him.
“Never KO’d. This is why Max will be tough for Topuria,” Cristiano Ronaldo stated.
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What might be next for Ilia Topuria following fight rumors?
Following his win over ‘Blessed’, Topuria had a brief face-off with Volkanovski, possibly indicating that the promotion will set up a rematch between the two.
Despite that, the Spaniard admitted that he wants to take a little bit of time off from fighting, which has led to rumors of a possible interim title being introduced.
Soaring featherweight contender, Diego Lopes, weighed in as a backup for the UFC 308 main event, and he pitched the idea of an interim title fight against Volkanovski in Sydney, in February.
Not only that, but ‘El Matador’ also revealed that after becoming the first man to knock out Holloway, he now wants to become the first fighter to submit lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev, stating that he eventually wants to move back up to 155lbs.