Dustin Poirier: Ilia Topuria's KO prediction of Max Holloway at UFC 308 is 'nearly unattainable'

Dustin Poirier is among the most prolific knockout artists in UFC historical past. And if he couldn’t shut Max Holloway’s gentle off, he struggles to see Ilia Topuria doing so at UFC 308.

Topuria (15-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC) has been nothing in need of adamant he would be the first to cease Holloway (26-7 MMA, 22-7 UFC) with strikes in MMA competitors once they meet in Saturday’s featherweight title headliner at Etihad Enviornment on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi (ESPN+ pay-per-view, ESPN+). He has promise to show the lights of on “Blessed” at each flip, which is a daring assertion given Holloway has probably the most fights in octagon historical past with out being put down.

Poirier, who was one of many few fighters to stagger Holloway within the octagon of their epic Combat of the Yr candidate at UFC 236 in April 2019, struggles to see Topuria doing what so many others earlier than him couldn’t.

“To go on the market and one-punch Max goes to be nearly unattainable, I feel,” Poirier mentioned on “The Bohnfire” podcast with MMA Junkie senior reporter Mike Bohn. “It might probably occur, for certain. However I don’t suppose it’ll.”

Poirier shall be working as a desk analyst for UFC 308 alongside Brendan Fitzgerald, Chael Sonnen and Din Thomas. He’s leaning towards Holloway leaving with the belt within the extremely anticipated encounter, however mentioned it could be an amazing assertion from Topuria if he can get the job finished.

“This can be a large take a look at,” Poirier mentioned. “If he goes in there and beats Max or lasts with Max within the quantity sport and outpoints him, outfights him technically on the toes – that’s going to say a lot about Ilia and the place he’s going to go.

“I can’t choose towards Max. I might see Topuria successful, however simply Max, the expertise and the championship fights he’s been in.”

For extra on the cardboard, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion hub for UFC 308.