Dustin Poirier was “blown away” by Ilia Topuria after brutal knockout of Max Holloway at UFC 308.

Topuria continues to silence his critics with every highlight he produces in the Octagon. He is one of the UFC's promising young stars and ushered in a new era in the UFC featherweight division.

One of those critics was Poirier, who picked his former opponent Holloway to defeat Topuria at UFC 308. Although Poirier's prediction was wrong, that didn't stop the former interim lightweight champion from giving Topuria due credit.

Dustin Poirier praises Ilia Topuria after knockout at UFC 308

During the UFC 308 post-fight show, Poirier reacted to Topuria's triumphant performance in Abu Dhabi.

“I’m beyond impressed, I’m overwhelmed,” Poirier said of Topuria.

“Not that I didn’t think it could happen, of course it could. Topuria is an incredible boxer, great strength, he throws all his punches, great technique. I just didn't think it would happen…

“You saw him standing in the octagon with that rose in his hand? Now it's time to give him his flowers because he is everything he said he would be, he said what he would do and he went out and did it. The first man in the world to defeat a legend in Max Holloway, one of the greatest 45-pound fighters to ever walk the earth.”

Poirier defeated Holloway twice in his UFC career. Featherweight Poirier submitted Holloway at UFC 143 and defeated him by unanimous decision for the interim lightweight title at UFC 236.

Ilia Topuria receives praise and ridicule from UFC stars after UFC 308

Another of Poirier's former rivals, Conor McGregor, didn't match Topuria's performance so much. In a series of social media posts, McGregor continued his feud with Topuria and vowed to take him out in a potential fight.

Poirier is expected to return to the Octagon in 2025 after changing his previous stance on retirement. Possible opponents for his comeback fight include Justin Gaethje, Dan Hooker and Nate Diaz if Diaz decides to rejoin the UFC.

Meanwhile, Topuria will likely face Alexander Volkanovski in a rematch of their UFC 298 title fight. Topuria defeated Volkanovski to retain the UFC featherweight championship.

Poirier is one of the UFC's top stars and Topuria has established himself as a rising international superstar. After facing some of the top names in UFC history, Poirier believes big things are in store for Topuria after UFC 308.

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