At UFC 298 next February, the undefeated Topuria will become the latest challenge in the lengthy reign of Volkanovski. Although the Australian has fallen short of the lightweight gold on two occasions, he’s ruled over the 145-pound landscape since 2019.
Ilia Topuria believes there is one area where he will significantly dominate UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski.
On February 17, UFC featherweight number 5 Ilia Topuria will face the reigning champion of his division, Alexander Volkanovski, in the main event of UFC 298. Aged 26, Topuria is still undefeated career, with 14 wins and 0 losses to his credit. ‘El Matador’ has won 4 fights by KO/TKO, 2 by decision and 8 by submission. He also submitted his first seven opponents. Lately, the Spaniard has made great progress in striking, and is using it to finalize his competitors.
During an appearance on the “Overdogs” podcast, Ilia Topuria explained how he was going to get the better of Alexander Volkanovski: “That’s where I think I have an advantage over him, because he’s a good striker, but this is not a natural wrestler and he is not good on the ground. This is where I will make the difference. »
“I’m pretty sure I’m going to win”
During his last fight, at UFC 294, on October 21, Alexander Volkanovski was knocked out in the first round by the lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev. However, Ilia Topuria does not attach importance to this defeat.
“For me, what happened in his last fight doesn’t change anything. I know the result will be the same, the training is the same, the concentration is the same. I’m going to train against the best in the world and I’m pretty sure I’m going to win. He really has nothing to lose. He has already lost. He already knows what it feels like, I don’t know what it feels like and I hope I never feel it. »
Ilia Topuria already has an idea of what he could do if he wins the belt: “I think this is what will happen: I will beat Volk on February 17 and then I will fight Max Holloway here in Spain . This is my goal at the moment and I think it will come true. »
