Alexander Volkanovski gives Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway prediction

Featherweight champion Ilia Topuria puts his title on the line for the first time in the UFC 308 main event against former titleholder Max Holloway. Fellow former featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski weighed in on the matchup during an interview with Kevin Iole.

Volkanovski won the 145-pound title by defeating Holloway in Dec. 2019. Topuria captured the featherweight championship by defeating Volkanovski at UFC 298 in February. He holds three wins over Holloway and has trained for and been in the octagon with Topuria.

Topuria has an extensive background in grappling, but Volkanovski doesn’t think it would be wise to try and Holloway down.

“Max has got great takedown defense, so I just think it’s going to be very hard for Ilia to get it there and hold him there. Getting him down is pretty tricky, and submitting I think would be pretty difficult for Ilia. I think Ilia would know that,” Volkanovski said.

“I think for him to try and look for the takedown against someone like Max could wear on him even more, you know, the gas tank,” Volkanovski continued. “Max can do it all day. We know that. He’s proven it time and time again. I think it will be pretty difficult for him to get him to the mat, to be honest.”

Volkanovski pointed out the differences in fighting styles. Holloway is a volume sticker known for his endurance and durability. Topuria is more of a stalking fighter with knockout power. If the fight goes to the later rounds, Volkanovski is interested in how Topuria handles Holloway’s relentless output.

“This is going to be a real good test for Ilia. If Ilia doesn’t catch him early, you’re really going to see how he handles being uncomfortable,” Volkanovski said. “In the cage, even before he fought in the UFC, he hasn’t really handled that too much. He’s had some adversities but not on that level, not when you’re crumbling.”

“Obviously, Max has been there a million times,” Volkanovski continued. “He’s just going to get more and more comfortable as the fight goes where that’s unknown territory for Ilia against someone at that level.”

Alexander Volkanovski’s UFC 308 main event prediction

“Ilia’s a great fighter,” Volkanovksi said. “Max has proven himself time and time again. Look who Max has fought.

“I just think where Ilia is strong, he might still have difficulties with Max. Even if he does land them big shots, Max is known for that granite chin. I think it’s going to be harder than he thinks to land on Max, but even when he does there’s a good chance Max can take them. As the fight goes I think it’s going to be even harder,” Volkanovski continued.

Alexander Volkanovski gives Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway prediction