UFC 308: Topuria vs. Holloway Fight Card, Predictions, & Odds

Reigning undisputed UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria defends his title for the first time against the current BMF champion and former featherweight title holder Max Holloway in the main event of UFC 308 on Oct. 26, inside the Etihad Arena, Yas Island, in the United Arab Emirates.

Heading into the match, Topuria is the betting favorite with -240 UFC odds because of his perfect professional MMA record. Also, he was the only fighter in the 145-pound division to beat and knock out the former long-time champion Alexander Volkanovski.

Meanwhile, Holloway comes into the match as the +195 underdog despite coming off an outstanding last-second knockout victory over Justin Gaethje at UFC 300 and personifying a true BMF champion.

Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway Odds

• Ilia Topuria: -240
• Max Holloway: +195

Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway: Prediction

Topuria’s more refined and sophisticated striking should be enough to get him a TKO/KO win against Holloway. Add the fact that he is also a big threat in grappling, which could not only submit Holloway, but also gas him out, says a lot about him being a well-rounded fighter.

The tale of the tape between the two favors the challenger because he’s 4 inches taller and has 5 inches of leg-reach advantage over the defending champion. Both athletes have an identical reach of 69 inches. Topuria has a better record and a higher finish rate.

Stylistically, both fighters like to stand and trade in the middle of the octagon because they can put their opponents to sleep, and their chins are very durable. Topuria will have the advantage in the grappling department because he has a solid background in Greco-Roman wrestling and a BJJ black belt to boot.

Furthermore, “El Matador” has excellent technique with his boxing skills because there is no wasted movement whenever he launches an attack. This sophisticated offense usually comes in a flurry of four or five-punch combinations with thunderous power behind them.

On the other hand, Holloway is a more volume puncher who overwhelms his opponents with sheer pressure and punch output until they break. He particularly shines in the latter rounds of a championship match due to his unmatched cardio.

Ultimately, this match comes down to who will land more damaging strikes, and Topuria’s polished striking will catch Holloway at some point in the match. Although Holloway’s chin has been tested repeatedly, this would be the first time we would see him get floored down the canvas.

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Ilia Topuria Recent Fight Results

When he joined the UFC in October 2020, Topuria was an undefeated prospect with eight wins and a 100% finish rate. He won his promotional debut against Youssef Zalal by unanimous decision and has since swept his next five fights.

This six-fight win streak has earned him a shot at the UFC featherweight title in February against Volkanovski for the main event of UFC 298. The Georgian-Spanish rising star maximized the opportunity by knocking out Volkanovski to become the newest king of the weight class.

Max Holloway Recent Fight Results

Holloway has been with the UFC since 2012 and has become one of the best fighters since joining the Las Vegas-based promotion. This wealth of experience has also allowed him to fight some of the best fighters in the world.

In June 2017, he became the division’s undisputed king when he defeated José Aldo at UFC 212. His reign, though, was cut short by Volkanovski in December 2019 with a loss via unanimous decision. Despite losing his belt, “Blessed” remained one of the best fighters in the promotion.

In April, he was pitted against Justin Gaethje in a BMF title fight at lightweight, and he produced one of the most memorable knockouts in the history of the sport as he put Gaethje out cold in a buzzer-beater knockout to capture the coveted BMF belt.

Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway: Tale of the Tape