Max Holloway, trying to shake off a controversy ahead of UFC 308, clarified remarks he made regarding his upcoming opponent, featherweight champion Ilia Topuria.

Former interim UFC featherweight champion Yair Rodriguez gave his thoughts and prediction on the highly anticipated championship bout Saturday night at Etihad Arena. Rodriguez (18-5 MMA, 10-4 UFC ), who’s fought Holloway in the past, believes the Hawaiian will reclaim his belt and take the undefeated status from Topuria.

Yair Rodriguez, a former foe of Max Holloway, reveals his pick for Ilia Topuria's first title defense at UFC 308.

Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway, separately, were cordial with Alexander Volkanovski when they crossed paths at the UFC 308 host hotel.

Check out the detailed UFC 308 preview and predictions for the upcoming featherweight title between Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway.

Between then and Saturday, Holloway lost three featherweight title fights to Alexander Volkanovski. Following the final loss on July 2, 2022, many believed Holloway’s time as a featherweight was done. But since then, Holloway has gone 3-0 while Volkanovski has gone 1-3, his latest bout a knockout loss to Ilia Topuria in February.

Max Holloway was honest in response when asked about his potential running for Fighter of the Year. Holloway (26-7 MMA, 22-7 UFC) kicked off his 2024 with an iconic last-second knockout of Justin Gaethje to claim the BMF title at UFC 300.

Max Holloway gets the chance to solve a puzzle no fighter has been able to solve to date. The former featherweight champion and recent BMF Title winner headlines UFC 308 against undefeated, highly touted reigning 145-pound champ Ilia Topuria.

Max Holloway would love to win Fighter of the Year but believes Alex Pereira already has it "in the bag." Holloway was asked about his chances of winning the honor as he prepares to face featherweight champion Ilia Topuria in Saturday's UFC 308 headliner in Abu Dhabi.