'He's very underrated'… Robert Whittaker gives his prediction for Ilia Topuria vs Max Holloway at UFC 308

08/08/2024 15:36

With Ilia Topuria vs Max Holloway just around the corner, Robert Whittaker has made his official prediction over who will emerge from UFC 308 with the featherweight belt around their waist.

The match-up between the two best 145-pounders on the planet will take place at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on October 26.

Robert Whittaker gives his pick for Ilia Topuria vs Max Holloway at UFC 308

The clash between Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway has caught the imagination of fans around the globe, with many positively salivating at the prospect of watching the two icons go head-to-head in a clash that looks destined to excite.

With The Spanish-Georgian capable of switching the lights off at any given moment, and ‘Blessed’ willing to walk through the fire to land his flashy combinations, the title fight could go down in UFC folklore.

The pair are both coming into the collision with incredible momentum. In his last outing at UFC 298, Topuria rendered Alexander Volkanovski unconscious in devastating fashion to claim the featherweight strap.

Meanwhile, Holloway made history, putting on a remarkable display against Justin Gaethje at UFC 300, before pointing to the center of the cage and trading with his rival, landing the knockout blow with just a single second left on the clock.

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With this considered, the two sporting titans are coming into this one at the peak of their powers, making the task of separating them incredibly difficult.

However, in a testament to his bravery, Robert Whittaker has made his pick, claiming that he’s ever so slightly swaying towards the Hawaiian.

During an episode of MMArcade, he explained: “I would have to say I’m leaning towards Holloway. But in saying that, I wanna see Topuria run his story. His skill level is so high. I think it’s super underrated right now. Maybe that’s because of exposure, and he hasn’t been in as many headline [fights] as Holloway has because he hasn’t done the work on paper as of just yet.

“But, gun to my head, I would have to lean towards Holloway. But wait and see. I was leaning towards Volk before the last one.”

Regardless, Topuria is confident that he can come through the storm and reclaim his belt, before targeting Islam Makhachev, who’s willing to oblige him, so long as he beats someone else first.

Islam Makhachev sets the terms for a fight with Ilia Topuria

With competitive blood coursing through his veins, the 145-pound King has already set his sights on claiming a second belt against the pound-for-pound number one.

While Topuria has described Makhachev as his ‘final objective’, the Russian has previously turned his nose up at a potential bout, replying: "Another short guy is talking, another short guy wants to be smeshed."

But it appears he’s since changed his mind, revealing that he’s willing to give the 27-year-old an opportunity.

However, in order to earn that chance, the Dagestani claims Topuria would first have to overcome one particular contender.

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