Robert Whittaker hails Ilia Topuria as one of the UFC's most skilled fighters ahead of UFC 308 clash against Max Holloway

Ilia Topuria will defend his featherweight title against Max Holloway in the main event of UFC 308 on Oct. 26. The card will feature several thrilling matchups alongside the headliner, none more so than the co-main event between Robert Whittaker and Khamzat Chimaev.

'El Matador' secured the 145-pound belt after handing Alexander Volkanovski his first career loss at featherweight when they met at UFC 298. Topuria won the title in sensational fashion as he knocked 'The Great' out cold in Round 2.

The Spaniard has boasted about his plans to be the first man to knock Holloway out when they meet in Abu Dhabi. The featherweight king has exceptional boxing skills and power to boot, which he believes will be his route to victory against 'Blessed'.

Whittaker recently shared his thoughts on the UFC 308 main event and stated that Topuria is not only dangerous on the feet, but also on the ground. The former champion was interviewed by TalkSPORT MMA, where he said this:

"It's super hard to say [who wins]. Max is one of those guys where, on paper, it's very hard to see how he loses. But then you look at the skillset of Topuria, and mate, he would have to be one of the guys with the highest skill levels across the board, I think, in multiple martial arts. I'm very curious to see how it goes."

Watch Whittaker discuss Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway below (9:20):

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Ilia Topuria eyes second UFC title following Max Holloway bout

Ilia Topuria has let his ambitions of becoming a two-division UFC champion be known. 'El Matador' is one of the most exciting fighters on the roster right now and is in the final stage of preparation for his featherweight title clash with Max Holloway at UFC 308.

Their matchup is arguably the most anticipated MMA fight of 2024, with both men currently at the peak of their powers.

Should Topuria topple the humongous Hawaiian challenge in front of him, he is eager to travel north and conquer the lightweight landscape. During a recent interview with Ariel Helwani, he said this:

"If they tell me that they are okay that I'm going to move to 155, I will do it. Because I want to do it. It's easier for me, the weight cut. I felt very good at that weight... I already fought at 155 in London against Jai Herbert. So, I felt really good, so I want to do it once again and for the world title."

Catch Ilia Topuria's comments below (13:00):