Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway are two of the top featherweights in the world. The former is set to face Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298 and potentially become the featherweight champion. Moreover, if he does become the featherweight champion, he might throw down in the cage against Max Holloway. Safe to say, this match-up is a real possibility.

Not to mention, both fighters in the past have weighed in on facing each other and left the door open. What do they have to say and what do we know about this match-up? Let’s unwrap it.

No love lost between the two fighters

From their comments, it appears they are not very fond of each other. Moreover, according to Holloway, Topuria would not be in a position to compete for the title had he fought him beforehand. During a recent public pressor, he said, “There’s a reason they didn’t give me Ilia,” moreover, he claims that the current featherweight would get the better of Topuria.

Moreover, Topuria is no fan of Holloway either. According to him, fighting Holloway is a worthless endeavour because of his series of defeats against Volkanovski. According to Yahoo, he said, “I’m going to beat a guy that whooped his ass three times, how? It doesn’t make any sense.” Not to mention, he expressed his interest to face Conor McGregor in a heavier-weight division.

Safe to say he does not have Holloway high up on his list of desired opponents. That being said, the likelihood of him having a choice to move up is less. Despite his will, he might be asked or even forced to compete against Holloway if he becomes the champion. In such a scenario, how would their bout go down? Let’s see what the statistics suggest.

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Statistics of Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway

On paper, this bout is quite evenly matched and that is what is the most exciting part. In terms of height, Holloway has the advantage of 3 inches as he stands tall at 5’11 as opposed to Topuria being 5’8. Moreover, Topuria has a better submission finish ratio at 57% as opposed to Holloway having it at a mere 8%. That being said, Holloway triumphs in the department of TKO/KO victories.

So far as experience is concerned, there is no debate as Holloway more than double the number of bouts under his belt when compared with Topuria. However, it bears mention that Topuria has youth on the side and unlike Holloway, he has never been defeated, as of yet.

Watch This Story: Conor McGregor Receives His Main Event as Ilia Topuria Demands UFC Spain After Michael Chandler Fight

The aforementioned information gives an insight into this match-up. The likelihood of this match-up is subject to several future circumstances. However, if it does take place, how do you see it playing out? Share with us your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.

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