Max Holloway offered an early preview of the upcoming UFC lightweight title unification bout between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje. He pointed out the key areas that could decide the fight and expressed excitement about what could unfold.
Gaethje captured the interim lightweight title after earning a unanimous decision victory over Paddy Pimblett. That win set the stage for a title unification bout with Topuria. ‘El Matador’ took a hiatus to take care of personal matters, which is why the promotion booked the interim title bout.
Holloway, the reigning BMF title holder and Stake Ambassador, offered insight into who could have the advantage. His perspective carries weight, especially considering he has faced both men.
‘Blessed’ noted that many within the MMA community are counting Gaethje out. However, he said that dismissing ‘The Highlight’s chances would be a huge mistake.
Max Holloway Addresses Justin Gaethje Being Counted Out Against Ilia Topuria
GettyLAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JANUARY 24: Justin Gaethje of the United States celebrates after defeating Paddy Pimblett by unanimous decision of England during their interim lightweight title bout in UFC 324 at T-Mobile Arena on January 24, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images)
Max Holloway also addressed Justin Gaethje being counted out against Ilia Topuria.
He highlighted key areas where both Gaethje and Topuria have excelled and he believes ‘The Highlight’ is capable of winning. He referenced Gaethje’s performance against Paddy Pimblett as proof that he remains resilient and can absorb damage.
While Gaethje’s toughness and durability remain elite, Holloway warned of the dangers of standing and trading strikes with Topuria. ‘El Matador’ has incredible knockout power and is a well-rounded fighter.
“This is MMA, man. A lot of people are counting [Justin] Gaethje out, but you can get caught, you can get hit. And a lot of people are talking about Gaethje’s last fight against Paddy [Pimblett],” Holloway exclusively told Heavy Sports. “Gaethje fought that way. Sometimes you got to fight that way, you got to make it look like a bar fight or whatever it is cause some people don’t know how to fight that fight.”
He added: “Obviously [in Gaethje’s] last fight, he did very well fighting that style.”
Holloway Predicts Topuria vs. Gaethje Ends by Knockout
Holloway also said he expects Topuria vs. Gaethje to end by knockout. Based on how both men fight, the BMF title holder believes fans will witness fireworks.
While he is not counting Gaethje out, Holloway admitted that it is hard to pick him to defeat Topuria. He was on the receiving end of a knockout loss to ‘El Matador’ in their final featherweight bout. It was the first time he had been finished by knockout in his career, so he respects Topuria’s power.
Topuria later carried that power to 155 pounds and knocked out Charles Oliveira to win the vacant lightweight title.
“It’s hard to go against Ilia [Topuria] cause Ilia touches people, you see what happens. So, I think it’s a fun fight. I think it’ll be a great fight, I think someone is getting knocked out in that fight. It’s going to be freaking insane,” Holloway exclusively told Heavy Sports.
He added:
“I think the fans win. They get to see something spectacular go down in that fight,” Holloway said. “I feel like a spectacular moment can come out of both of those guys. So, I think it’ll be a fun [fight].”
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Exclusive: Max Holloway Shares Early Prediction for Topuria vs. Gaethje appeared first on Heavy Sports.