Ilia Topuria has officially cemented himself as one of the biggest stars in the UFC after a shocking and dominant victory over Max Holloway at UFC 308. In a year where he already made waves by knocking out Alexander Volkanovski, Topuria achieved the unthinkable: he became the first fighter ever to knock out the legendary Max Holloway, a man who had never been finished by KO in his entire career.
The Impressive Rise of Ilia Topuria
In 2024, Ilia Topuria has truly established himself as a fighter to watch. His knockouts of two of the greatest featherweights in UFC history, Volkanovski and Holloway, have put him at the top of the conversation for “Fighter of the Year.” Both victories came in dramatic fashion, with Topuria showing exceptional power, precision, and strategy in each fight.
Before facing Holloway, Topuria boldly predicted he would be the first man to knock out “Blessed” and proclaimed himself the best boxer in the UFC. His confidence proved to be well-founded as he executed a flawless game plan against Holloway, overwhelming the former champion with his brutal striking.
The Fight: A Historic Knockout
The fight began with Topuria and Holloway engaging in a tactical battle. Holloway, as always, looked sharp and precise with his volume striking, keeping Topuria on the move. But Topuria’s ferocity and power were undeniable, with the Georgian fighter landing powerful strikes that had Holloway on the defensive.
Holloway, ever the warrior, fought back with his own clean combinations, but Topuria was relentless. His ability to work the front leg of Holloway with kicks took its toll, and it was only a matter of time before the knockout shot came.
In the third round, Topuria landed a massive right hand that rocked Holloway, followed by a series of brutal punches that left the Hawaiian legend scrambling for his footing. At 3:30 into the round, a clean left hook from Topuria sent Holloway crashing to the canvas, marking the first knockout loss of Max Holloway’s entire legendary career.
Ilia Topuria’s Incredible Performance
Topuria’s victory over Holloway was not just a win – it was a statement. He has proven that he can hang with the best, and more importantly, he can finish them in brutal fashion. Topuria’s relentless pressure, pinpoint strikes, and remarkable power have made him a fearsome force in the featherweight division.
What’s Next for Topuria?
After his massive win, Topuria’s next move seems clear: a title shot against Alexander Volkanovski. With his knockout of Holloway, Topuria has staked his claim for a chance to take on the reigning champion. His rise in the division has been meteoric, and he’s ready to face the next challenge in his path to becoming a UFC champion.
Fighter of the Year?
Given his incredible victories, including knocking out two of the most respected featherweights in history in one year, Ilia Topuria is certainly a strong contender for “Fighter of the Year.” His relentless rise, combined with his ability to finish top-tier opponents, makes him one of the most exciting fighters to watch in the sport today.
So, what do you think? Has Ilia Topuria earned the title of Fighter of the Year, or is there another contender who has impressed you more in 2024? Let us know your thoughts!
