Diego Lopes shares pick for Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway clash at UFC 308 but admits "it's a very close fight"

Diego Lopes has put forth his pick for the Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway showdown. Lopes believes the highly-anticipated matchup could go either way but feels Holloway has the edge.

Presently, No.13-ranked UFC featherweight Lopes is scheduled to fight No.3-ranked Brian Ortega at UFC 306 (a.k.a. Riyadh Season Noche UFC) on Sept. 14, 2024. Meanwhile, former UFC featherweight champion and current BMF champion Holloway is booked to face reigning UFC featherweight champion Topuria in the headlining match of UFC 308 on Oct. 26, 2024.

The Topuria-Holloway fight won't have the BMF title at stake and will be contested for just the UFC featherweight title. Topuria's supporters cite his spectacular victory over Holloway's archnemesis, Alexander Volkanovski, and predict an impressive win for him at UFC 308.

On the contrary, Holloway's supporters argue that styles make fights and that 'Blessed' is a tough stylistic matchup for the featherweight kingpin. Considering the variables at play, the Topuria-Holloway fight is viewed as one of the most intriguing clashes in 2024.

Speaking to MMA Fighting, Lopes deemed it a "very interesting" fight. He suggested that Holloway has fought almost everyone in the featherweight ranks and even moved up to lightweight and proved his mettle. He also acknowledged Topuria as new blood, knocking everyone out at 145 pounds.

Lopes claims he's focused on dominantly defeating Ortega at UFC 306, which he feels would get him closer to a title shot. He intends to attend UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi to witness Topuria vs. Holloway in person.

Moreover, Lopes picked Holloway to emerge victorious against Topuria. The Brazil-born Mexico-based featherweight stated:

"It's a very close fight... I lean towards Holloway a bit because of his experience. He's been fighting many different type of opponents in the division. He fought Volkanovski, Jose Aldo and Jeremy Stephens, short guys that have a lot of knockout power, and no one could [knock him out]. We'll see what happens, but I think I side with Max Holloway a bit."

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When UFC champion Ilia Topuria praised Diego Lopes

Speaking to MMA Junkie last month, Ilia Topuria indicated that he'll defend the featherweight belt against Max Holloway and then possibly against the Ortega-Lopes winner. 'El Matador' also highlighted his willingness to rematch Alexander Volkanovski.

The 27-year-old explained that irrespective of whom he fights, he'll be the one with his hand raised. Furthermore, Topuria reiterated that if Lopes wins his upcoming fight, he'll likely get the title shot. Topuria notably praised the rising featherweight contender for his attitude and respectfulness. The champion said:

"I love the attitude that Diego Lopes brings. He's always respectful with me, so I like the attitude he has with me."

Watch Topuria's assessment below (16:20):