Ilia Topuria makes first featherweight title defense against Max Holloway at UFC 308

Fearweight champion Ilia Topuria remains a fan of Max Holloway, crediting Hawaiian for being an inspiration for his UFC career.

But 27-year-old Topuria said he plans to put aside any positive feelings Saturday night when Holloway becomes his opponent at UFC 308.

“I have all respect for him," Topuria said. "He’s a great fighter. He’s done many great things in sport. You can’t take credit from him, so I have learned many, many things from him. He called me a fan. Yeah, I followed his career. I have been a fan. He’s been a great example for me, but now it’s my time to be that example for new generation.”

Topuria (15-0), who was born in Germany to Georgian parents but lives in Spain, makes his first title defense. He is a -250 favorite at BetMGM Sportsbook.

Topuria captured belt with a second-round technical knockout of Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298 on Feb. 17 in Anaheim, California. Volkanovski h owned title for four years, making five successful title defenses.

That is until Topuria established control from beginning.

“I think he’s an animal,” Holloway said. "A lot of people forget that when he came into UFC, he got right in as a grappler and wrestler. That’s what he was. He came into UFC, started knocking dudes out. His boxing is nice as a fighter. You cannot be a hater and say he’s not good. He did what he h to do to get to position he has, so re’s no disrespect to that.

“But you get to see me come Saturday night.”

Holloway (26-7) showed at UFC 300 on April 13 in Las Vegas that he is willing to take chances in what could be fight of year. He was comfortably ahe of Justin Gaethje for ceremonial BMF title belt when Holloway pointed at mat as clocked ticked down, indicating he was willing to slug it out.

And that he did, sending Gaethje to floor with a second left for a stunning finish.

Now Holloway, 32, gets his shot at belt as second-ranked challenger after winning four of his past five fights. His only loss was by unanimous decision to Volkanovski at UFC 276 in 2022 in Las Vegas.

He faces an opponent who has seen only two of his 15 fights go distance.

“His cardio is outshining opponent’s cardio because he’s hurting m early in ir fights,” Holloway said. “ beautiful thing is I can't wait. It's going to be something special. Tune in Saturday night.”

Topuria said he was prepared to do whatever it takes, be it ending fight quickly or going full five rounds.

“I'm rey for 10 or 15 rounds," Topuria said. "Whatever he wants to do, I can do it. But I don't think that fight will go distance. I will finish him before that.”

In co-main event, No. 3 challenger Robert Whittaker (27-7) of Australia will face No. 13 Khamzat Chimaev (13-0) of Russia in a middleweight bout.