Joe Rogan Amazed By Ilia Topuria’s Training – ‘Phenomenal’
Joe Rogan has credited Ilia Topuria for his intense training as the UFC Featherweight Champion won more plaudits.
Topuria will square off against BMF Champion Max Holloway for the first defense of his belt. The BMF title is not on the line, but there is still plenty of pressure. Topuria stopped Alexander Volkanovski in his last fight at UFC 298. It was significant as he gave Volk his first stoppage loss at the weight class. It was also the second stoppage loss Volk suffered in a row after getting knocked out by Islam Makhachev at lightweight. The Australian’s four-year stint as champion ended while Topuria’s stardom increased. He is now 7-0 with five stoppage wins.
He faces Holloway, who is also coming off a big win. Blessed knocked out Justin Gaethje with just a second left in the fight to become the BMF champion with a second left to go in the fight. Holloway has never been knocked out, setting the narrative for a thrilling fight. Topuria has said he will stop Holloway, and his training preparations have shown that he is targeting one.
Rogan Reacts
“One of the things that is phenomenal about him is his technique. His technique is perfect. There’s no fat in his technique. There’s no wasted movements, so when an opportunity presents itself, everything is so fast because the technique is so streamlined.
“Look at how he hits the pads, and when you watch how he hits pads – (Floyd) Mayweather is a great example of that, as well. Some of the best hands in the sport. Current UFC featherweight champion and knocked out (Alexander) Volkanovski, who is maybe the greatest of all time.”
“See how he’s moving his head when guy throws punches? Slipping just slightly? The speed, man. The…speed of that. Look at the hand speed, incredible. If you know how difficult that is to do and do it that fast. I mean, these are like five, six punches a second and just phenomenal technique,” Rogan said
Who Wins?
However, Topuria will have to watch out for Holloway’s stamina. The BMF champion may fight on the outside and attack Topuria from range. He could tire out the champion if he manages to pick him off and stay in the fight. A key part of that will be if Holloway can thwart any takedown attempts and hit him coming in.
Holloway showed immense energy against Gaethje. Blessed told Gaethje to meet him in the centre of the cage when there was no need to do so. He was already well ahead in the fight but still had energy to end the bout. Aljamain Sterling felt that could play a part.
“Him having some failed takedown attempts, or even if he gets the takedowns and Max can get back up, it makes the fight very interesting where he starts to use up a lot more energy than expected. He’s always in your face with those spinning back kicks. If Max gets back to the old-school Max, it’s a very intriguing fight,” Sterling stated
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