Justin Gaethje predicts UFC 308 upset, says Ilia Topuria's "touch" is powerful enough to break Max Holloway's "competitive spirit" in Abu Dhabi

UFC lightweight Justin Gaethje is not ruling out an upset in the main event of UFC 308.

The reigning featherweight champion Ilia Topuria will attempt to defend his title for the first time against former 145-pound king and BMF Max Holloway at UFC 308. The highly anticipated featherweight headliner goes down in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on Oct. 26.

'The Highlight' recently appeared in an interview with The Schmo where he was asked to predict the winner of the fight. Gaethje, who was on the receiving end of a sensational knockout at the hands of Holloway at UFC 300, spoke highly of the Hawaiian's "competitive spirit":

“I don’t know man. I mean, Max has been there for so many times, he’s got so much experience. He’s an absolute dog, his competitive spirit is as high as anybody that’s ever stepped in there so you’re not gonna run through him, no matter what."

However, Gaethje also stated that the power that Topuria possesses is no joke, citing his knockout win over Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298. He did not rule out a similar victory for 'El Matador':

"It’s a crazy game and Topuria has power so if he touches him, he could knock him out. But we’ll see, Topuria was very impressive versus Volkanovski so we’ll see how he looks.”

Check out Justin Gaethje's prediction for UFC 308 below (5:11):

Gaethje lost the BMF title to Holloway after a grueling battle at UFC 300. The fight saw the two go back and forth until 'The Highlight' collapsed face first on the canvas with one second left on the clock.

Although both fighters earned a Fight of the Night bonus and fan accolades, the damage the 35-year-old sustained made it almost certain he would not return this year.

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Justin Gaethje is not interested in a trilogy with Dustin Poirier anymore

Justin Gaethje and Dustin Poirier have clashed twice in the cage, each knocking the other out once. Although many fans have rallied to see their trilogy, their wish may not be granted.

In the aforementioned interview, Gaethje was asked about his thoughts on a possible trilogy. He said:

“No I don’t. No. He knocked me out, I knocked him out. I mean, I’m okay with that. I’m sure that’s more bitter more for him since I was the last one to win but it doesn’t matter.”

Check out Justin Gaethje's comments on a trilogy with Dustin Poirier below (4:45):