Ilia Topuria may just be the frontrunner for fighter of the year in 2024 following his performance at UFC 308.
After stopping Alexander Volkanovski earlier this year to become the featherweight champion, the new king at 145-pounds faced another huge test in his first defence.
The undefeated titleholder came up against the former champion and current BMF Max Holloway who came into the fight following his incredible display against Justin Gaethje at UFC 300.
In Abu Dhabi, the two men put on a fight that lived up to expectations, going back-and-forth until "El Matador" landed the decisive blow in the third round.
His power was the deciding factor and in victory, Topuria paid tribute to his opponent who was at the top of the sport long before the current champion arrived in the UFC.
"The first thing I want to say is thanks to God. Everything belongs to him, he gives me everything I have in my life so thanks to god," Topuria said in his post-fight interview. "Wow, I don't know what to say to be honest man, I don't know. To beat a legend like Max Holloway, it's something that I can't believe it, you know. I just followed his entire career, he inspired me so much in my career. He's been a great example for the generation and I always have been saying that I represent the new generation and I hope I'm going to be a small portion of the example he has been for me, for the new generation so all the praise to Max Holloway, he's the man."
Topuria has always been extremely confident, claiming before this fight that he would be the first man to knock out Holloway.
It took him some time and he had to continue pushing to eventually get it but Topuria did what he said he would do once again.
"I caught him with many punches but, exactly with that right hand, I felt it. I just saw it in his face. He started making some step backs and you don't see that often in Max Holloway that he makes step back so I felt that. My brother told me from the corner keep pushing, keep putting the pressure on him. This is what I did and finally, I get the knockout."
For his next fight, Topuria was joined in the cage by Alexander Volkanovski who is likely due a rematch after the incredible title reign that he left behind.
The two men showed a lot of respect towards one another with Volkanovski congratulating his former foe for his performance.
Topuria responded by saying that he's happy to run it back with "The Great" next time out.
"Right now I don't want to fight with anyone. Thank you brother, you're the man. We're going to do it again, you deserve that. You're the man, he defend his title seven times, I don't know how many times. If someone deserves it, it's him so let's do it brother."
Watch the full interview below:
