Ilia Topuria can dominate Alexander Volkanovski in featherweight matchup, claims UFC legend Henry Cejudo

Henry Cejudo offers insights on the anticipated Alexander Volkanovski vs. Ilia Topuria showdown. He predicted Topuria's victory if he defends leg kicks and utilizes Georgian wrestling.

Ilia Topuria can dominate Alexander Volkanovski in featherweight matchup, claims UFC legend Henry Cejudo

Henry Cejudo predicts Volkanovski vs. Topuria (Image via Imago)

Henry Cejudo recently delved deep into the anticipated showdown between Alexander Volkanovski and Ilia Topuria In a recent analysis for his YouTube channel. Topuria is a rising contender in the featherweight division, breathing down the neck of Alexander Volkanovski.

Cejudo, in the video, hinted that Volkanovski and Topuria were set to headline the pay-per-view in January 2024. With a playful and confident tone synonymous with Cejudo’s public persona, the two-time UFC champion dissected both fighters’ strengths and potential pitfalls. Notably, Cejudo referenced Volkanovski’s pound-for-pound status. However, he picked Topuria to win, citing, “If he can protect his leg kicks and if he can bring back some of that Georgian wrestling into this into this fight I could see a lot Toria not only just beating him but actually dominating in this fight.”

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It needs to be noted that Henry Cejudo wanted a title shot against Alexander Volkanovski, preluding his fight against Aljamain Sterling at UFC 288. However, Sterling would go on to defeat Cejudo via split decision and dampen Triple C’s plans. Volkanovski last fought in the International Fight Week against Yair Rodriguez, winning the fight by TKO. Topuria rose to the title contention after a dominant 5-round performance over Josh Emmet.

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Ilia Topuria is undefeated in his professional career. With an unblemished 14-0 record, the Georgian fighter has an exciting fight style. He is equally versed in both the striking and grappling realms. Topuria is one of the elite Georgian fighters in the UFC. The others are fellow featherweight Giga Chikadze and top-ranked bantamweight Merab Dvalishvili.

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Henry Cejudo hinted at fighting Merab Dvalishvili at the January pay-per-view

The former double champion of the UFC, Henry Cejudo, hinted at fighting Merab Dvalishvili for the January 2024 pay-per-view. Cejudo insinuated the fight when discussing the presumed main event for the pay-per-view, Alexander Volkanovski vs. Ilia Topuria.

Henry Cejudo Fired up for Merab
Henry Cejudo Fired up for Merab (Image via MMA fighting/ South China morning post)

Cejudo’s announcement comes as no surprise as Ali Abdelaziz, his manager, has already mentioned it. It was during his interview with Dave Schmulenson, a.k.a. The Schmo. Cejudo had wanted the matchup ever since his defeat to Aljamain Sterling. Sterling is close friends with Dvalishvili, and the two of them have vowed never to fight each other. Otherwise, Merab would have fought for the title if Sterling had not captured the championship then. Cejudo aims to defeat Merab and become the new #1 contender for the title.

The bantamweight title picture is almost visible as Sean O’Malley wants to fight Marlon Vera for his first defense. O’Malley won the title at UFC 292 by knocking out Sterling in the second round. Sterling wants a rematch, but the “Suga” and the promotion remain hesitant. Moreover, Cejudo finds Dvalishvili as the shortest path to a title fight.

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