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Ilia Topuria came up with a hilarious reaction as Max Holloway received a customised Barcelona jersey. Notably, Topuria and Holloway are set to lock horns in a thrilling clash at UFC 308 on October 26. This is not it, as the weekend will also see an exciting clash taking place in football as Real Madrid takes on FC Barcelona in an ‘El-Clasico’. Topuria is a die-hard Real Madrid supporter, whereas Holloway is a Barcelona fan.
Before their clash, Holloway received a custom Barcelona jersey with #9 jersey, and his opponent came up with a hilarious reaction to the same. Not only this, but Holloway also predicted the score of the forthcoming game as said, "Yeah, I got gifted from Barcelona, and they gave me the number 9 for striker... So I guess Barcelona go 2 and 0 Saturday night." Topuria reacted hilariously to the same and spoke to ESPN, where he stated, "He was wearing the Barcelona jersey? Oh, he declared himself a loser... he's going to lose."
I have all the respect for him: Ilia Topuria expresses admiration for Max Holloway
Featherweight champion Ilia Topuria expressed his admiration for Max Holloway and called him an inspiration for his UFC career. However, he said that he wants to put positive feelings aside when he clashes against Holloway at UFC 308. Topuria said, “I have all the respect for him. He’s a great fighter. He’s done many great things in the sport. You can’t take credit from him, so I have learned many, many things from him. He called me a fan. Yeah, I followed his career. I have been a fan. He’s been a great example for me, but now it’s my time to be that example for the new generation.”
On the other hand, Holloway also heaped praise on his opponent at UFC 308 and said, “I think he’s an animal. A lot of people forget that when he came into the UFC, he got right in as a grappler and wrestler. That’s what he was. He came into the UFC, started knocking dudes out. His boxing is nice as a fighter. You cannot be a hater and say he’s not good. He did what he had to do to get to the position he has, so there’s no disrespect to that.”
