February 17, 2024. That was the date that “Matador” Ilia Topuria was last seen. From that moment, the world of Mixed Martial Arts in Spain came to the fore. His name occupied all the covers and his figure became a reference for many. And he doesn’t want to stay there. This October 26, Ilia Topuria wants to continue expanding her legacy and make history around the world.
It will be his first defense of the title, against a rival who will not make it easy for him. The American Max Holloway has just defeated a more than established Justin Gaethje in an unusual division for him, 155 pounds (lightweight). It will be an intense fight, expected to end before the bell rings for the fifth round. And given this prediction, “El Matador” has many chances to win. But, What could be the keys to Ilia Topuria?.
A “striking” feared in the division
While it is true that Ilia is a very complete fighter, capable of dominating in any field of martial arts, the “striking” is one of his favorite weapons. The Hispanic-Georgian fighter joins the company four fights by KO/TKOmaintaining their undefeated record. His power in the right hand and his ability to generate effective punches makes him feared in the division. In total, his score reflects 17 victories and zero losses, with five fights won by completion, nine by submission and three by decision of the judges.
It is very likely that we will see a colorful fight, where boxing is the main weapon of both fighters. In fact, in statements to Eurosport, Topuria assured that he will challenge Max Holloway to an exchange of blows in the first 10 seconds of the fight, trying to simulate what happened in the American’s last fight. “I’m going to point him at the ground. If he doesn’t want to do it, it will be his decision. I’ll go out there and point at the ground. Because what he does is point at the ground in the last 10 seconds of the fight, and we’re not going to get there. to the fifth round”.
Even though they are both good at boxing, Ilia Topuria has established himself as the best in his division and one of the best in the companyso it seems like a pretty effective weapon to retain the title this weekend.
a jaw of steel
You have to be realistic. One of the options that Max Holloway has to beat Ilia is through exchanges. The American also has power in his hands, and he has shown this in his last fights against Calvin Kattar and Justin Gaethje. In fact, The latter suffered the consequences of his boxing after being suddenly defeated after a right crochet.
However, Ilia has proven to have a jaw suitable for the worst blows. In 2022, A kick to Jai Herbert’s jaw destabilized the Hispanic-Georgianwho managed to overcome and win in his debut in the lightweight category.
Therefore, although “striking” is also one of the American’s strengths, Topuria is prepared to withstand the blows.
Fighting: Topuria’s secret weapon
Although striking is the weapon most used by “El Matador”, the soil is his specialty. The champion is a specialist in Greco-Roman wrestling and Brazilian jiu-jitsuand this is demonstrated by his score in MMA. There are nine victories by submission in his entire professional career, which shows that he is quite a specialist. Therefore, if there is a moment in the fight where Topuria is suffering, the champion can make use of this tool. Besides, Holloway is not known for being a specialist in this fieldso the American could suffer the consequences of a good “grappler” like the Hispanic-Georgian.
It is not clear how the fight will develop, but what we do know is that, for the experts, Ilia is the favorite to win the fightand the background of these two fighters shows that they are very attractive, so it is very likely that we will see one of the best fights of the year.
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