"Max cooked here" - Fans react to Max Holloway's witty response to Ilia Topuria threatening to "put these b*lls where they need to be"

A heated exchange between UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria and former champion Max Holloway has ignited anticipation for their upcoming title clash at UFC 308. The two fighters have been trading barbs in the lead-up to their fight, and their recent interaction has only fueled the excitement surrounding the matchup.

During an interview with Brendan Fitzgerald on ESPN MMA's YouTube channel, Topuria and Holloway exchanged words. When 'Blessed' questioned Topuria's boxing IQ, the Spaniard responded with a vulgar threat. Holloway, however, quickly countered with a witty retort that left 'El Matador' speechless.

Topuria said:

“I’m gonna put these balls where they need to be”

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Holloway responded:

"Why are you touching yourself? We’re on live TV right now”

Check out the conversation below:

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Fans quickly took to social media to react to Holloway’s sharp retort. One fan commented:

"Lmfao. Max cooked here, ngl"

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Another fan wrote:

"Damn, 10-8 for the Blessed Express. Even Ilia said he's going to sleep."

Backing Holloway, one fan stated:

"Topuria is so cringe… hope Max gets him."

Check out some of the fan reactions below:

Fans react to recent back and forth between Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway [Screenshots courtesy: X]

Ilia Topuria challenges Max Holloway to a Justin Gaethje-like stand-up fight at UFC 308

Ilia Topuria is eager to test Max Holloway’s toughness in their upcoming fight at UFC 308. Despite being the favorite, Topuria challenged Holloway to engage in a stand-and-bang exchange right from the start, similar to Holloway’s last 10 seconds against Justin Gaethje.

In the same interview for ESPN MMA, 'El Matador' said:

“I challenge you to have that exchange but in the first 10 seconds of the fight and you will see what is going to happen. When you face a fighter like me inside the Octagon who brings that technique and power, you can’t do that. I’m going to take your head off in the first 10 seconds"

Holloway quickly fired back, claiming Topuria only wanted an early exchange because he tires easily. Holloway, the current No.2-ranked contender at featherweight, recently fought at lightweight, securing a thrilling fifth-round knockout over Gaethje at UFC 300.

However, Topuria wasn’t impressed with Holloway’s performance, dismissing the bout as a “bar fight” with little technique. Downplaying Holloway’s win, Topuria said:

“The only exciting part was the last 10 seconds”

Topuria is confident that if Holloway brings the same approach, the fight won’t last long.

Check out Ilia Topuria's comments below:

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About the author

Manjit has been an MMA writer at Sportskeeda since the past 3 years, specializing in covering boxing and MMA. Drawing from his past training in MMA, he brings a unique perspective to his reporting at Sportskeeda, culminating in compelling content.

While Conor McGregor holds a special place as his favorite fighter for the sheer legacy that the Irishman has built in MMA, Manjit's appreciation for the sport extends beyond individual athletes.

While writing, Manjit rigorously fact-checks and ensures the credibility of his sources to provide high-quality content for readers.

Outside of work, his interests include football and he is massive photography lover.

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Edited by C. Naik