"Body shot practice looking very damaging" - Fans react as Ilia Topuria drops new training footage as grudge match with Max Holloway edges near

Fans react to Ilia Topuria
Fans react to Ilia Topuria's recent training footage [Photo Courtesy @iliatopuria on Instagram]

Ilia Topuria has already begun preparing for his rumored upcoming bout with Max Holloway. As the featherweight champion prepares for his first title defense, the Georgian's team released new training footage on social media, capturing fans' attention.

In the video posted on May 26, Topuria was seen working on his close-range boxing skills. The footage evidenced his power with the sound of him hitting the heavy bag echoing through the room.

While Topuria does not have his upcoming fight confirmed, most assume it will be against Holloway, who is fresh off a stellar knockout win over Justin Gaethje at UFC 300.

Regardless, fans were impressed with the film from 'El Matador,' calling his body shots "damaging."

A comment read:

"Body shot practice looking very damaging"

Many also expressed concern for the fan-favorite Holloway, who has never been knocked out but suffered the first unofficial knockdown of his career against Gaethje. Topuria has knocked down each of his last four opponents while rendering four of his seven UFC opponents unconscious.

Other fans commented:

"Best boxer in the UFC"
"Max gonna dodge every punch"
"Guy hits like a truck"
"Looks very weak"

View more fan reactions to Ilia Topuria's training footage below:

Fan reactions to Ilia Topuria's training footage [via @champrds on X]
Fan reactions to Ilia Topuria's training footage [via @champrds on X]

How many knockouts does Ilia Topuria have?

Ilia Topuria developed a reputation early in his career as an elite Brazilian jiu-jitsu grappler but throughout his UFC career has changed his fight style to become a vicious knockout artist.

On his 15-0 professional record, Topuria has won five fights by knockout and eight by submission. Four of his five knockouts have been in the UFC, including a championship win over Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 299.

While now being recognized as one of the powerful boxers in MMA, Topuria did not pick up his first knockout win until his eighth professional fight. He would debut in the UFC in his next outing the following year.

Of his seven UFC opponents, Topuria has either knocked down or knocked out six of them, with the only fighter he was unable to hurt with punches being Youssef Zalal in his promotional debut.

Quick Links

App download animated image Get the free App now