Max Holloway acknowledges Ilia Topuria as one of the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/mma/ufc/”>UFC’s most formidable punchers, but he stops short of calling him the hardest hitter he’s faced during his career. Despite being knocked out by Topuria in October at UFC 308, Holloway insists other opponents have landed harder shots on him over the years.
With 34 professional fights and 30 of them in the UFC, Holloway had only been stopped once before the Topuria fight, marking a significant milestone in his career. Topuria, now the UFC Lightweight Champion, confidently predicted he would be the first to knock Holloway out—and fulfilled that promise with a third-round finish during their title defense.
How Holloway ranks Topuria’s power compared to other opponents
According to UFC records, Ilia Topuria was indeed the first fighter to knock Holloway down decisively. However, prior to that, the BMF Champion Justin Gaethje had also managed to drop Holloway during their UFC 300 encounter in the fourth round, though Holloway quickly recovered to secure a knockout win himself by the fight’s end.
In a conversation with Stake.com, Holloway compared the power of Gaethje and Topuria, suggesting Gaethje’s strikes felt more forceful across five rounds, while still acknowledging Topuria’s knockout ability.
I have been asked how hard he really hit?
Holloway said of Topuria.
When I was in there, I did not feel like this guy hit so much harder [than other opponents]. But the guy must hit hard. Cause when you are hit hard, then your body does something that it is not used to. And then you think to yourself, what the hell?
But comparing his punch. When I fought Gaethje, I felt some things,
Holloway continued.
He noted Gaethje brings not only hard punches but also powerful leg kicks, which can be especially effective against a boxer like Topuria. Holloway said that when Topuria struck him, it didn’t immediately register as a notably hard hit, though the effects were undeniable.
But you have to say that he hits hard because you see what happens to people when he touches them,
Holloway remarked.
So at the end of the day, maybe it is hard to deny that he might be one of the biggest punchers in UFC history, pound for pound, for sure.
Insights from Josh Emmett on Topuria’s striking power
Josh Emmett, another opponent of Topuria, offers a different perspective on the belief that ‘El Matador’ is the hardest hitter in the UFC. Emmett, who endured five rounds with the undefeated fighter, suggests Topuria’s power comes from exceptional technique rather than overwhelming strength.
The thing with Ilia is his footwork is good,
Emmett told MMA Junkie’s Danny Segura.
Emmett emphasized Topuria’s ability to maintain excellent positioning, combined with speed and precision, allows him to deliver powerful strikes without visibly loading up punches.
He’s landing [with] the accuracy and precision, with the speed, and that’s where the power is,
Emmett explained.
While some fighters like Charles Oliveira have claimed never to have been hit harder, Emmett believes others—such as Dan Ige—have delivered more punishing blows than Topuria.
The significance of Topuria’s knockout and what lies ahead
Topuria’s knockout victory over Holloway marked a pivotal moment in both fighters’ careers, showcasing Topuria’s rise as a powerful contender in the UFC Lightweight division. Despite Holloway’s insistence that he’s faced harder hitters, the knockout has cemented Topuria’s reputation as one of the most dangerous punchers among UFC’s elite.
This result is likely to intensify the spotlight on Topuria’s future matchups, with fans and analysts eager to see if he can maintain his striking dominance against other top contenders. For Holloway, the loss serves as a moment to reassess while remaining one of the division’s most respected veterans. The dynamics of power, precision, and resilience will continue to be key themes as these fighters advance inside the octagon.