XRP traded around $2.75 on Monday, down roughly 2.38% over 24 hours, as traders monitored critical support and resistance levels highlighted by crypto analyst Ali Martinez.

In an August 31 post, Martinez emphasized that XRP “must hold above $2.77” to avoid a potential slide toward $2.40. He pointed to $2.77 as a key floor that had previously drawn buying interest. Breaching that level, he warned, would remove the safety net and leave XRP vulnerable to deeper losses.

For those less familiar with technical analysis, the takeaway was simple: bulls need to defend $2.77, or the next major support sits at $2.40.

Martinez updated his outlook on September 1 with a more bullish roadmap. He identified $2.70 as a crucial support level and $2.90 as the resistance XRP would need to surpass to shift momentum in favor of buyers. Successfully holding the base and clearing the ceiling, he suggested, could pave the way for a potential rally toward $3.70.

In practical terms, Martinez laid out a stepwise plan: first defend support, then break resistance, and finally aim for a larger breakout.

CoinDesk’s 24-hour chart shows this battle unfolding in real time. XRP reached a high of $2.8325 before sellers pushed it back down, while a low of $2.7034 demonstrated buyers stepping in to protect the floor. The tug-of-war aligns with Martinez’s framework: the $2.70–$2.77 zone serves as a foundation, while the area above $2.80 acts as resistance. Volume spikes during upward attempts reflect seller pressure preventing further gains.

The price action highlights why Martinez’s levels are significant. XRP remains boxed between support and resistance, leaving traders to watch which side—buyers or sellers—will assert control.

For now, XRP’s near-term direction depends on its ability to stay anchored above the lower support zone long enough to build momentum for a potential move toward $3.70.