Max Holloway is closely watching the upcoming UFC 317 main event between Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira.
The former UFC Featherweight and current BMF champion has a history with both competitors: he defeated Charles Oliveira in 2015 and lost to Ilia Topuria in a title bout almost a decade later.
Following his first career knockout loss to Topuria, Holloway is scheduled to defend his BMF title against Dustin Poirier at UFC 318, aiming to position himself for a title shot against the winner of the Topuria-Oliveira clash.
This highly anticipated vacant lightweight title fight has generated diverse predictions among fellow fighters.
How does the current BMF champion, Max Holloway, predict the Topuria vs. Oliveira fight will unfold?
Max Holloway Predicts Quick Finish
Holloway notes that both Topuria and Oliveira possess high finish rates. He stated he wouldn`t be surprised by a finish from either fighter – whether Topuria wins by knockout or Oliveira secures a victory via submission or even a KO/TKO.
Describing the matchup as “super up in the air,” Holloway pointed out that while many are dismissing Charles Oliveira, he historically performs best as the underdog, frequently finding ways to win when counted out.
Holloway predicts the fight will likely be decided quickly, stating, “this fight is gonna be decided probably in the first three minutes or four minutes of this fight, the first round.” He elaborated that Oliveira is likely to take significant shots early, and the outcome hinges on whether Topuria`s offense is fight-ending or if Oliveira can withstand the damage and retaliate.
From a betting perspective, Holloway commented, “Charles Oliveira is one of the best fighters in the world to put money on an underdog.” However, he refrained from making a definitive pick on the winner.
Ilia Topuria Displays Confidence Ahead of UFC 317 Title Fight
Ilia Topuria has showcased extreme confidence leading up to the bout, reportedly vowing to make Oliveira`s chin “explode.” He aims to make history by becoming one of the few fighters to hold titles in multiple weight classes.
Days before the fight, Topuria was seen in a photoshoot holding two belts, visually representing his aspirations.
Topuria shared his mindset on social media platform X, writing:
No one’s gonna believe in you if you don’t believe in yourself first. Living my dreams wide awake.
Jack Thornley