Max Holloway has been asked about the lightweight title scene after Ilia Topuria’s fiery face-off with Paddy Pimblett a few weeks ago.
The Hawaiian fighter lost his last title matchup to the pound-for-pound star Topuria, suffering a third-round knockout loss.
Pimblett stormed the cage after the Spaniard’s win, with the UFC star boldly laying claim for Ilia’s rapid rise.
Even though Dustin Poirier will be gracing the octagon one last time, the ‘Blessed’ one is using this as a stepping stone to title contention at 155.
Max Holloway says Paddy Pimblett is ‘no slouch’ and the right game plan can beat Ilia Topuria
Ahead of UFC 318, Holloway was asked if he gave ‘The Baddy’ any chance of beating the seemingly unstoppable king.
In the interview, he said: “Brother it is MMA, anybody can win.
“I think Paddy and the team will prepare right for that fight, they will have a game plan and he’s no slouch.
“A lot of people thought Paddy was this guy who just talks and runs his mouth then he got to prove himself against a guy like Chandler. He is not a wrestler, but he outwrestled a wrestler.”
Pimblett found himself in the Top 10 of the UFC rankings after stopping Michael Chandler in the third round with vicious elbow strikes.
While not drawn on an outright prediction for the contest, he still praised the Liverpudlian as a skilled operator.
Holloway said: “He is super good, and this is mixed martial arts, it’s just what is going on that day, and whoever can apply their game plan that they have been doing, you never know.”
Paddy Pimblett believes ‘motivated’ Max Holloway can beat Dustin Poirier
The question came from the Scouse sensation’s recent podcast appearance, where he backed the 33-year-old to do the business on July 19th.
Paddy said: “I think Holloway’s motivated. I can see Holloway winning, to be honest. Don’t know why. I think it’s just one of them.
“Dustin fighting in his hometown, his last fight, everyone expects him to win, the pressure. I think he might (win).
“You might think it’s a bit more favourable because he beat him twice, though.”
The 30-year-old is not scheduled to return to the cage yet after his most recent win, even going as far as shutting down the rumour, started by Du Plessis, of an August fight.
He may not be ready for title contention just yet, but Dana White will probably be hoping his next two fights go smoothly, as he will have a mega fight attraction on his hands when Ilia and Paddy finally go at it.