Max Holloway reveals that Paddy Pimblett has the right strategy to defeat Ilia Topuria.

Max Holloway, one of the most respected veterans in the UFC, has provided a level-headed and insightful breakdown of the highly speculated Ilia Topuria vs Paddy Pimblett fight. With fan anticipation heating up after Pimblett stormed the cage following Topuria’s dominant victory, the discussion around this potential lightweight clash has taken over MMA headlines.

Although Holloway recently suffered a knockout loss to Ilia Topuria in their last title bout, his analysis of the Spaniard’s rise and Pimblett’s chances was anything but bitter. Instead, the Hawaiian offered thoughtful praise for both fighters—and made it clear that nothing is impossible in mixed martial arts.

The Spark: Pimblett’s Cage Invasion Post-Topuria Victory

After Ilia Topuria scored yet another stunning win, establishing himself as a dominant force in the lightweight division, the post-fight celebration was suddenly interrupted. Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett charged into the cage, initiating a tense face-off that had fans and pundits speculating about a future clash between the two surging stars.

The visual—a cocky, confident Pimblett going eye-to-eye with a laser-focused Topuria—set the internet on fire.

Now, Max Holloway, who has shared the Octagon with Topuria and studied Pimblett’s rise, has stepped in to provide an unbiased, grounded take.

Max Holloway on Pimblett: “He’s No Slouch”

Speaking ahead of UFC 318, Holloway gave his thoughts on whether Pimblett could realistically defeat Topuria, who many now consider one of the most dangerous pound-for-pound fighters in the world.

“Brother, it is MMA. Anybody can win,” Holloway said in a recent interview.
“I think Paddy and the team will prepare right for that fight. They will have a game plan and he’s no slouch.”

That’s high praise coming from a former champion and a man known for his fight IQ. Holloway’s words suggest that while Topuria might be the betting favorite, Pimblett’s development cannot be ignored.

Pimblett’s Turning Point: The Chandler Fight

One reason Holloway is giving Pimblett a shot is Paddy’s shocking win over Michael Chandler. Though Chandler was a powerhouse and a decorated wrestler, Pimblett turned heads by outwrestling the wrestler and finishing the bout with a barrage of vicious elbow strikes in the third round.

This performance catapulted Pimblett into the UFC’s Top 10 rankings, marking a new chapter in his career. No longer seen as just a trash-talking entertainer, Pimblett proved that he belongs among the elite.

“A lot of people thought Paddy was this guy who just talks and runs his mouth,” Holloway noted.
“Then he got to prove himself against a guy like Chandler. That was big.”

Ilia Topuria: The Unstoppable Force at 155

While Pimblett’s stock is rising, Ilia Topuria has been nothing short of unstoppable. His knockout victory over Max Holloway was a major statement—a third-round finish of a future Hall of Famer. Topuria’s blend of power, pressure, and precision makes him one of the most complete fighters in the UFC today.

He’s also undefeated, mentally composed, and technically refined. Many analysts consider him the man to beat in the lightweight division—even over veterans like Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje, or Islam Makhachev.

The X-Factor: Game Planning and Timing

In his analysis, Holloway stressed the importance of game planning. While Topuria has looked nearly flawless, MMA is a sport where the right strategy can change everything.

“This is mixed martial arts,” Holloway said.
“It’s just what is going on that day, and whoever can apply their game plan—you never know.”

This insight reveals a deeper truth: even the most dominant champions can be unraveled with the right tactics, especially in a five-round title fight. Holloway himself has been in wars where momentum shifted in a matter of seconds.

Paddy Pimblett’s Belief in Holloway Ahead of Poirier Fight

Interestingly, Pimblett also recently weighed in on Max Holloway’s future, predicting that the Hawaiian could beat Dustin Poirier in his upcoming farewell bout.

“I think Holloway’s motivated. I can see Holloway winning, to be honest,” Pimblett said on his podcast.
“Dustin fighting in his hometown, his last fight, everyone expects him to win… the pressure. I think Holloway might win.”

This mutual respect between Pimblett and Holloway gives extra depth to Max’s comments—he’s not blindly supporting a fighter. He’s offering genuine, measured opinions about a colleague he clearly respects.

Where Does the UFC Go From Here?

With Dana White known for loving high-profile fights that draw casual fans and hardcore viewers alike, a Topuria vs Pimblett fight seems almost inevitable.

Although Pimblett has yet to be officially booked for another bout, and has even shut down rumors of an August return, the UFC brass are surely watching the buzz grow. If Paddy can win one more fight, and Topuria keeps rolling, the timing might be perfect for a late 2025 or early 2026 showdown.

The storyline is gold:

• The undefeated Spanish technician vs the brash British brawler.

• A clash of personalities.

• A war of styles.

• And huge stakes for the lightweight division.

Topuria vs Pimblett: A Breakdown of Styles

Ilia Topuria is known for:

• Excellent boxing fundamentals

• Fight-ending power

• Composure under pressure

• Brutal body shots and cage control

Paddy Pimblett, meanwhile, offers:

• High fight IQ

• Surprisingly strong grappling

• Unpredictable striking

• And a flair for the dramatic

On paper, Topuria would be the favorite, but Holloway’s point stands—if Pimblett brings the right game plan and neutralizes Topuria’s pressure, it’s far from impossible.

Fan Reactions: Mixed but Curious

The MMA community is divided. Hardcore fans feel Pimblett is being rushed too soon. Others argue that the sport needs big personalities—and Paddy is proving he can back it up.

With social media exploding after their face-off and YouTube clips of the encounter racking up millions of views, it’s clear there’s demand.

The UFC loves fighters who move the needle. Right now, Pimblett vs Topuria is the needle.

Final Thoughts: Max Holloway Brings Perspective and Respect

In a sport where trash talk and hype often override analysis, Max Holloway remains a voice of reason. His realistic assessment of Pimblett’s chances against Topuria shows why he remains one of the most respected minds in MMA.

He didn’t say Paddy would win.
He didn’t say Topuria was unbeatable.
He said the truth: anything can happen in MMA.

And that’s what makes it so electrifying.

As the lightweight division continues to evolve, and stars rise and fall, one thing is clear—Paddy Pimblett is not a joke anymore, and Ilia Topuria may just be the king that everyone wants to dethrone.