Topuria isn't just a power puncher, Max has to watch the ground game

[Scheme]

Topuria actually has really only become a KO artist in the UFC (although a brutal one at that) in the UFC. 4 of his 5 KOs have come in the UFC. Before that his main finishing ability (albeit against lesser fighters) was submissions. And he has quite a repertoire of submission finishes: triangle chokes, rear nakeds, guillotines, anacondas, triangle armbars and arm triangles. Most within a few minutes as well, so he is definitely quick and dangerous with them.

Just an FYI for any bettors out there.

 

[Bork Neslar]

Max by submission (punches).

Just an FYI for any bettors out there.

 

[Kowboy On Sherdog]

You did it now... Max by triangle 2nd round.

 

[Luthien]

Max by flying eye poke stoppage

 

[filthybliss]

The aura of having zero losses and zero split decisions does give the impression of Ilia being immensely well-grounded maybe more than he actually is. I do agree though, I think he poses as a serious threat on the ground, I don't think he is an Ortega BJJ threat but Max can't take him easy there n rub out a decision.

 

[AmericanMMA]

Hand sanitizer boy is going to get smashed lad.

 

[achoo42]

Topuria actually has really only become a KO artist in the UFC (although a brutal one at that) in the UFC. 4 of his 5 KOs have come in the UFC. Before that his main finishing ability (albeit against lesser fighters) was submissions. And he has quite a repertoire of submission finishes: triangle chokes, rear nakeds, guillotines, anacondas, triangle armbars and arm triangles. Most within a few minutes as well, so he is definitely quick and dangerous with them.

Just an FYI for any bettors out there.

Yes but Max is historically a superb anti-wrestler and has never been submitted save for in his UFC debut (against Dustin Poirier).

If he loses, it's much more likely going to be due to Topuria's power punching since Max is very hittable.

 

[PeterGriffin]

Let's see your bet slip first amigo.

 

[RockyLockridge]

The aura of having zero losses and zero split decisions does give the impression of Ilia being immensely well-grounded maybe more than he actually is. I do agree though, I think he poses as a serious threat on the ground, I don't think he is an Ortega BJJ threat but Max can't take him easy there n rub out a decision.

He doesn't have the same BJJ threat but he has a greater Wrestling threat. he may be able to get max down and keep him there long enough to secure rounds

 

[JoeRowe]

He better be careful shooting takedowns on Max. His guillotine, high-elbow guillotine, & anaconda choke are lethal af. His top-game is also smothering. If anyone's grappling is being underrated it's Max's.

 

[NicholasJBasile]

Topuria actually has really only become a KO artist in the UFC (although a brutal one at that) in the UFC. 4 of his 5 KOs have come in the UFC. Before that his main finishing ability (albeit against lesser fighters) was submissions. And he has quite a repertoire of submission finishes: triangle chokes, rear nakeds, guillotines, anacondas, triangle armbars and arm triangles. Most within a few minutes as well, so he is definitely quick and dangerous with them.

Just an FYI for any bettors out there.

I agree -- his ground game is just as good as his stand up. Holloway has phenomenal takedown defense, so I predict it will be a standing affair, but Holloway hasn't really needed to flex his TDD since he fought Ricardo Lamas.

 

[humperdoo]

Max can endure long 5 rounds of brawling. I doubt Tuporia could do this.

 

[13Seconds]

Yeah I suspect Topuria will bring his wrestling shoes for this one.

 

[beater81]

Anyone giving Ilia better than an act of god chance at winning this fight is a casual. Max wins by whatever way he choses to embarrass this clown.

 

[Rapa]

Holloway has phenomenal takedown defense,

1. Dustin Poirier


2. Alexander Volkanovski


3. Conor McGregor


4. Ricardo Lamas


5. Clay Collard


6. Andre Fili


7. Dennis Bermudez

All of them scored takedown on max

 

[Fight Professor]

Max was finished once in his first UFC fight. If the fight goes to a decision, Max wins.

 

[Cowboy Kurt Angle]

I watched all 7 of Ilia’s matches; he definitely has underrated grappling; apart from the first round against Bryce, most his KOs are because he cage cuts and throws the overhand combo.

 

[dmwalking]

MMAth-ing here, but Ilia did something max could never do. He decisively beat Volk. Thats gotta count for something. Max looked great recently, and he’s always a live dog, but if Topuria can do that to Volk, there’s a chance he can do it to Max. And there’s a chance he can win by decision.

I haven’t placed the bet yet, but my money is on Topuria. I won’t be surprised if max wins. He’s a beats. A true just bleed saint. But I feel like Top has the skill set to beat max.

 

[Hog-train]

Topuria by cringe in the 1st round.

 

[Rataria]

IIlia by 5roundMerab