“Get that second title” – Ilia Topuria roots for rival Alexander Volkanovski against Islam Makhachev shocking 10-day notice title fight
Featherweight Ilia Topuria makes an underhanded and controversial compliment toward Alexander Volkanovski.
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Ilia Topuria predicts title fight with Alexander Volkanovski (Via IMAGO)
In a seemingly nonchalant fashion, Ilia Topuria seems to have rooted for co-contender Alexander Volkanovski. Volkanovski is set to fight Islam Makhachev at UFC 294, as a replacement for Charles Oliveira. Volkanovski had tried becoming a two-division champion against Makhachev at UFC 284 but lost. This match has thus been hyped up to be a highly anticipated rematch. Amidst this, Topuria made an underhanded compliment to Volkanovksi.
“Best of luck,” said Topuria, as he took to posting on X. “Get that second title so I can knock you out in January and become a double champ!” Topuria is reveling from a five-round unanimous decision win against Josh Emmett. After his victory in June, he had expressed interest in a featherweight bout against Volkanovski. The projected match was to be at UFC 297 in 2024. But the latter got in with a rematch with Makhachev.
Topuria is currently ranked #5 in the featherweight division. While Volkanovski himself is considered one of the greatest within the division. He had also been ranked #1 in pound-for-pound by ESPN. It would therefore feasibly make sense for Topuria to challenge the 145 lbs titular spot. Meanwhile, Volkanovski attempts to win the 155 lbs title at UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi.
Unsurprisingly, Volkanovski has remained undefeated in the 145 lbs division. He has a 13-1 record within the promotion, with his only loss coming to Makhachev. That too, was a fiery matchup that earned him a lot of praise as he went toe-to-toe with the 155 lbs mean machine. While Topuria’s ambitions and attributes have been regarded as far-fetched by fans of the MMA world, he still drives on, hoping for the best.
Ariel Helwani weighs in on Ilia Topuria’s fate after UFC 294 card switch and call-ups
Before being enlisted on sudden short notice, for a two-division glory rematch, Alexander Volkanovski had other engagements. The common consensus amongst fans was that he would defend the featherweight title at UFC 297. The opponent would be Ilia Topuria, who had made the call out. But with the card change in UFC 294, Topuria has been left hanging.
Topuria has secured the spot with a victory over interim contender Josh Emmett. With the change in the roster, his return to the octagon for the targeted UFC 297 bout in Canada has been nullified. Renowned combat sports journalist Ariel Helwani weighed in on his possible options. One of them was Volkanovski, as a victor, rising to his call. And another is Topuria fighting Max Holloway, if the former loses.
Regardless of speculative predictions, all fighters remain determined on their current courses. UFC 297, if it passes, is slated to take place in Toronto, Canada, in January. Topuria remains hopeful that featherweight champion Volkanovski will emerge a victor by then.
In case you missed it:
- “I’m coming off the couch,” Alexander Volkanovski warns Islam Makhachev about immense pressure on him ahead of short-notice UFC 294 fight
- “Islam doesn’t know any submissions!” Alexander Volkanovski’s BJJ coach brutally trolls Team Khabib’s ‘Combat Sambo myth’ and mocks Islam Makhachev’s skills on the mat
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Ajinkya Aswale
(1115 Articles Published)