“I’m gonna teach him a lesson,” Alexander Volkanovski vows to EMBARASS ‘cocky’ challenger Ilia Topuria

UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski is not a big fan of the cocky Ilia Topuria and plans to teach him a lesson.

“I’m gonna teach him a lesson,” Alexander Volkanovski vows to EMBARASS ‘cocky’ challenger Ilia Topuria

Alexander Volkanovski vs Ilia Topuria for UFC 298 (Image via Imago / X)

Alexander Volkanovski recently stated that he plans to ’embarrass’ Ilia Topuria in their upcoming UFC 298 clash. He emphasized his intention to humble the rising star and silence critics and skeptics alike.

The UFC Featherweight Champion is determined to deliver a metaphorical knockout punch to Topuria’s ego. Alexander Volkanovski had earlier criticized Ilia Topuria, branding him as ‘delusional’. In a recent interview with ‘Who The Fook Are These Guys?’, Volkanovski stated:

He maybe needs a bit of embarrassment and snap things into gear and maybe he can one day be a great champion. Right now he wants to act like how he’s acting, I’m just gonna teach him a lesson, I’m gonna embarrass him, he’s young enough to bounce back in a positive way. I’ll play teacher the next few months.
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Alexander Volkanovski and Ilia Topuria have developed a heated rivalry ahead of their upcoming UFC featherweight title bout. The tension escalated as Topuria accused Volkanovski of “running”. Topuria has expressed confidence in defeating Volkanovski, considering it an easy fight. The clash has attracted significant attention. UFC CEO Dana White has confirmed the title bout.

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Meanwhile, Alexander Volkanovski boasts a professional record of 26 wins and 3 losses. However, Ilia Topuria holds a flawless record of 14 wins and 0 losses in his MMA career. UFC 298 will feature the featherweight title bout between Alexander Volkanovski and Ilia Topuria, scheduled for February 2024 as per Dana White’s announcement. Ilia Topuria is a rising talent in the UFC featherweight rankings. The fight will happen at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.

Ilia Topuria believes his wrestling will make the difference against Alexander Volkanovski

Ilia Topuria believes he will make a significant impact against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298. Topuria was particularly confident in their ground. Topuria, with an undefeated record of 14-0 in the UFC, sees his ground skills as a key factor that will pose problems for the featherweight champion Volkanovski.

Ilia Topuria
Ilia Topuria vs Alexander Volkanovski ( Image source: X)

In UFC 282, Topuria showcased his submission prowess. He forced a submission from Bryce Mitchell in Round 2, ending Mitchell’s undefeated record. This makes him a formidable force in the featherweight division. During the interview on the Overdogs Podcast, Ilia Topuria referred to this where he revealed that he believed Volkanovski is a good striker but not a natural wrestler. He expressed that is where he planned to get the featherweight championship and make a difference.

Ilia Topuria began training in Greco-Roman wrestling at the age of seven. He later transitioned to mixed martial arts. His ground game is notable. Complemented by proficiency in boxing and jiu-jitsu, Topuria makes up to be a pretty well-rounded fighter, doing justice to the 14 undefeated wins. His undefeated record further underscores his prominence in the UFC, prompting comparisons with other fighters in the league.

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