Cory Sandhagen shares definitive prediction for potential Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway fight, expects winner to "do well" at lightweight 

Cory Sandhagen recently offered his prediction for Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway. The former interim title challenger, who will return to action this weekend, gave his take on the rumored featherweight title matchup.

Topuria and Holloway are expected to fight later this year. According to a recent report by the Spanish news outlet MARCA, both fighters have reached a verbal agreement to fight at UFC 308, slated for Abu Dhabi in October. However, the UFC has not officially confirmed this.

In a recent interview with CBS Sports' Shakiel Mahjouri, Sandhagen predicted that Topuria would defeat Holloway:

''At 145, I think Ilia is one of the best guys, one of the best champs. I think that he is going to, unfortunately beat Max Holloway. Because I love Max Holloway but I think that's the way that I see the fight going.''

The bantamweight contender then claimed that Topuria has the tools to have success at lightweight as well, adding:

''Ilia is just such a good fighter... He's going to be a tough guy to beat for the entire division for a really long time and he kind of has that build where he can go up in weight and do well at '55 I think even."

Check out Cory Sandhagen's comments below:

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Cory Sandhagen previews Umar Nurmagomedov clash at UFC Abu Dhabi

The promotion will return to the Middle East this weekend for UFC Abu Dhabi. The main event features top bantamweight contenders Cory Sandhagen and Umar Nurmagomedov facing off in a pivotal title eliminator. Both fighters have revealed that the victor will likely fight for bantamweight gold next against the winner of Sean O'Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili.

In a recent interview with Arab News, Sandhagen previewed the high-stakes clash, saying:

''I’m just preparing my best for everything that’s going to come in the fight. Just learning and understanding all of the ways that he fights, the ways that he grapples, the way that he strikes. Making sure that I’m not going to be caught off guard by anything.'' [H/t: Arab News]