https://arab.news/v5rev
- ‘El Matador’ praises Abu Dhabi’s role in growth of combat sports
ABU DHABI: Undefeated featherweight champion Ilia Topuria says he feels “amazing” as he prepares to take on the ever-dangerous Max Holloway in the main event of UFC 308 at the Etihad Arena on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island.
The bout, which takes place on Oct. 26, will be Topuria’s first title defense after the fighter, nicknamed “El Matador,” won the featherweight belt earlier this year by knocking out Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298.
“I feel amazing,” Topuria told Arab News. “This is the last part of the training camp, cutting weight, and that’s it. On Oct. 26 I’ll take what belongs to us, which is victory.”
Topuria acknowledged that while he had made some adjustments, the core of his training remains the same.
He said: “It’s been … a bit more professional. We always try to implement new skills and things we’ve learned from past experiences.”
As for his mindset, it has not shifted since he reached the pinnacle of the sport. He added: “I always felt like I was the best in the world, and I still have that same feeling.”
Holloway, who is known for his relentless striking volume and durability, presents a unique challenge, but Topuria’s approach remains straightforward, and he said: “The plan is simple: Go in and take his head off. That’s it.”
In fact, Topuria has something special planned for the opening moments of the fight, and added: “I’ll point to the ground in the first 10 seconds and give the fans the most exciting 10 seconds in UFC history.”
Whether Holloway will engage in this bold challenge remains to be seen, but Topuria is clear about his own strategy.
He said: “I don’t know what he’s going to do, but I know what I’m going to do. I’ll point to the ground, stay in the middle of the Octagon, and if he wants to bang, we can bang. If not, I might have to do something different.”
Returning to Abu Dhabi is significant for Topuria, who made his first UFC bow in the city four years ago on Fight Island during the COVID-19 pandemic.
He said: “I have very good memories here. I made my UFC debut in Abu Dhabi, though it was without fans. Now I have the opportunity to come back and defend my belt in front of everyone. It’s great; I can hardly wait.”
Topuria highlighted the city’s role in the global growth of combat sports as he praised the development of the sport in the region.
He said: “It’s growing a lot. They’re supporting not only MMA (mixed martial arts), but also boxing, and the growth is amazing. I feel like the development here is incredible, even compared to Europe. The culture, the food — everything is great.”
Although his days in Abu Dhabi are focused on training, Topuria revealed he plans to do some sightseeing.
He added: “We’re going to do a bit of exploring in Abu Dhabi before the fight. We’re planning to visit the museums and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, and we want to explore other parts of the city, such as Yas Marina Circuit.”
As a professional mixed martial artist of Georgian and Spanish descent, Topuria has a message for his community of compatriots in the UAE, saying: “They’re going to enjoy what they see and feel a lot of pride when they watch me shine. This fight is for them.”
Topuria does not feel burdened by being champion, and said: “I don’t feel any extra pressure. I chose this path, and I’ve dreamed of this moment. God is giving me what I’ve asked for, so I just feel gratitude.”
Topuria plans to return home quickly after the fight to his 2-month-old daughter, adding: “I’ll be leaving the next day because I need to take care of her and my son. Of course, this (the fight) is for both my children — it’s for my whole family.”
The fighter is ready to make a statement at UFC 308 and give the fans in the UAE’s capital a memory for the ages, cementing his legacy in Abu Dhabi.