Max Holloway: Topuria’s opponent who has never been knocked out

There are fighters who win the favor of the entire public and Max Holloway This is one of them. The Hawaiian was the featherweight champion from 2017 to 2019, until Alexander Volkanovski came into his way. Despite this, and they could boast that they had never been knocked out, he is considered one of the best in history. Especially after his brutal victory over Justin Gaethje on the main card of UFC 300 this Saturday, which helped him win the BMF (Badest Mother Fucker) title and challenge Ilya Topuria, who took the fight to reclaim the crown he already wore earlier.

“Who is the real BMF? I did it for you, I had something to lose in this fight. I want a 145 pound champion, I want Ilya Topuria. He is here. In Spain or anywhere. “I’m in line for the title,” Holloway said to Topuria, who was in the stands and agreed. “We obviously have our next fight, it’s Max Holloway. “Tonight is your night, enjoy it, you’ll have to row again,” replied “El Matador” about the fight that could very well be the star of UFC 306 at the Circle in Las Vegas this September. . In this case, Topuria will defend her featherweight belt outside of Spain for the first time.with an event on national territory expected in 2025.

Holloway’s story

The start of Holloway’s journey, which now leads to Topuria, was not ideal. His first fight took place in February 2012 with Dustin Poirier. Diamond He conquered it in the first round. Far from demoralized, the fighter of Hawaiian, English and Samoan descent rose through the company, adding more wins until he earned a shot at the title. In December 2016, he knocked out former lightweight champion Anthony Pettis to win the interim featherweight belt.which brought him to the brink of a life-changing moment.

Jose Aldo was a monarch at the time after reclaiming the featherweight belt, which he lost to Conor McGregor. Holloway, who was riding a 10-fight winning streak and was ranked No. 1, scored a third-round TKO victory against the Brazilian at home. The Hawaiian was already chained eleven fights won and almost four years without defeat, some of the numbers were scary. Six months later, he repeated the same result in a rematch.

He made three more successful defenses. The second was with Brian Ortega, whom he defeated by TKO in the fourth round. He punished him so severely that he couldn’t make it to the final round because he had one eye closed. The next guy to fall to Holloway was Poirier. Seven years later, he got his revenge and won by unanimous decision. Blessed He also showed no mercy to Frankie Edgar, whom he defeated on points in July 2019. Of course, he said some nice words to everyone and supported everyone at the end of the fight. He’s one of those fighters who doesn’t have haters because his attitude is exemplary.

Holloway’s test came when Volkanovski crossed his path. The Hawaiian held the featherweight belt in his hands until the Australian took it from him by unanimous decision. in combat, in which he was more advanced and knew how to use his strengths and his opponent’s weaknesses. A rematch took place seven months later and the champion retained his crown via split decision. There was a fight very similar to the previous onealthough it was more controversial and even.

Topuria: “I didn’t see anything special”

After two losses in a row to Volkanovski Holloway has two victories over Calvin Kattar and Yair Rodriguez. The Hawaiian beat all the famous featherweight fighters, but he was opposed by an Australian. And it happened again when they met for the third time, because was imposed by unanimous decision, this time more clearly.

Blessed He scored two more victories after his third attempt to finish off the Australian. At the historic UFC 300 this Saturday, he continued to redeem his legend by defeating Gaethje for the BMF belt. The champion is a lightweight, so to fight for the title against Topuria he will have to move up a division (at featherweight, Holloway is ranked second). This is what you wanted and you already have it. Yes, El Matador is waiting for him without fear. “I saw it well (Holloway vs. Gaethje), but nothing special to be honest. Exchanging blows without any strategy. This would never happen to me because I am a person who thinks inside the octagon. He talked a lot and should believe that he is the best, but what he couldn’t do in 90 minutes, I did in nine. (defeat Volkanovski)“, I dedicate. The countdown begins.

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