Tag: alexander volkanovski

145-pound king Ilia Topuria ready to close the book on Conor McGregor’s legendary UFC career: ‘It is time’

145-Pound king Ilia Topuria ready to close the book on Conor McGregor's iconic UFC career: 'I believe that it is time'Ilia Topuria hopes to be the one to close out Conor McGregor’s final chapter in the UFC. ‘El Matador’…

145-Pound king Ilia Topuria ready to close the book on Conor McGregor's iconic UFC career: 'I believe that it is time'

Ilia Topuria hopes to be the one to close out Conor McGregor’s final chapter in the UFC.

‘El Matador’ sent shockwaves through the UFC fanbase with a stunning second-round knockout of Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298 to claim the featherweight world title.

Ilia Topuria defeats Volkanovski at UFC 298

Since then, Topuria has been angling for a big-money fight with Irish megastar Conor McGregor.

Despite his recent callouts, Topuria made it clear that he has nothing, but respect for McGregor and what the former two-division champion has done for the sport. However, the new 145-pound king says it’s his turn to take the reigns and he plans to start by closing the book on McGregor’s storied career.

“First and foremost, in terms of making our sport known, he is the perfect character,” Topuria said during a recent interview in his home country. “My goal right now is to expand the sport. I want to expand the sport as much as I can and the more people know about it, the better it is. It is the work that I want to do, and precisely for the new generation, for myself, and for the sport — which is what I do, and the passion and love that I have for it.

“He represents a chapter in MMA and I believe that it is time for that chapter of that season to close and a new one to begin. I do think that fighting him, beating him would be like leaving him in the season behind.”

ilia Topuria confirms talks are already underway for the uFC’s first event in Spain

Immediately following Ilia Topuria’s title-winning performance last month, UFC CEO Dana White confirmed that the promotion would begin discussions for an event in Spain where Topuria resides. Asked for an update on those plans, ‘El Matador’ revealed that talks are already well underway.

“We have a meeting at noon to carry out the entire UFC Spain project,” Topuria said. “It is a fairly complex project, but steps are being taken. If it is going to be Conor, I don’t know. It wouldn’t surprise me at all. And if it’s not him, I’ll fight someone else and I think that Conor will already be in the season behind.”

Ilia Topuria

As for when we could see the UFC head to Spain for the first time in its 30+ year history, Topuria offered a potential timeline.

“I would start counting from summer onwards,” he added.

Though no official details have been revealed, all signs point toward the event going down inside Santiago Bernabéu — the iconic home stadium of Real Madrid since its completion in 1947.

Ilia Topuria to potentially fight at the Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid

With his win over Alexander Volkanovski in Anaheim, Ilia Topuria moved to a perfect 15-0 in his mixed martial arts career with his last seven victories coming inside the Octagon. He has finished all, but two of his opponents, including five knockouts and eight wins by way of submission.

Even if Topuria can’t lure Conor McGregor into a fight, he has a host of contenders waiting for an opportunity at the top of the featherweight division — chief among them being Brian Ortega who is coming off a big win against former interim champion Yair Rodriguez in February. And, of course, there’s always Max Holloway, a former champion and perennial contender who currently sits as the No. 2 ranked fighter in the weight class.

145-pound king Ilia Topuria ready to close the book on Conor McGregor’s legendary UFC career: ‘It is time’

145-Pound king Ilia Topuria ready to close the book on Conor McGregor's iconic UFC career: 'I believe that it is time'Ilia Topuria hopes to be the one to close out Conor McGregor’s final chapter in the UFC. ‘El Matador’…

145-Pound king Ilia Topuria ready to close the book on Conor McGregor's iconic UFC career: 'I believe that it is time'

Ilia Topuria hopes to be the one to close out Conor McGregor’s final chapter in the UFC.

‘El Matador’ sent shockwaves through the UFC fanbase with a stunning second-round knockout of Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298 to claim the featherweight world title.

Ilia Topuria defeats Volkanovski at UFC 298

Since then, Topuria has been angling for a big-money fight with Irish megastar Conor McGregor.

Despite his recent callouts, Topuria made it clear that he has nothing, but respect for McGregor and what the former two-division champion has done for the sport. However, the new 145-pound king says it’s his turn to take the reigns and he plans to start by closing the book on McGregor’s storied career.

“First and foremost, in terms of making our sport known, he is the perfect character,” Topuria said during a recent interview in his home country. “My goal right now is to expand the sport. I want to expand the sport as much as I can and the more people know about it, the better it is. It is the work that I want to do, and precisely for the new generation, for myself, and for the sport — which is what I do, and the passion and love that I have for it.

“He represents a chapter in MMA and I believe that it is time for that chapter of that season to close and a new one to begin. I do think that fighting him, beating him would be like leaving him in the season behind.”

ilia Topuria confirms talks are already underway for the uFC’s first event in Spain

Immediately following Ilia Topuria’s title-winning performance last month, UFC CEO Dana White confirmed that the promotion would begin discussions for an event in Spain where Topuria resides. Asked for an update on those plans, ‘El Matador’ revealed that talks are already well underway.

“We have a meeting at noon to carry out the entire UFC Spain project,” Topuria said. “It is a fairly complex project, but steps are being taken. If it is going to be Conor, I don’t know. It wouldn’t surprise me at all. And if it’s not him, I’ll fight someone else and I think that Conor will already be in the season behind.”

Ilia Topuria

As for when we could see the UFC head to Spain for the first time in its 30+ year history, Topuria offered a potential timeline.

“I would start counting from summer onwards,” he added.

Though no official details have been revealed, all signs point toward the event going down inside Santiago Bernabéu — the iconic home stadium of Real Madrid since its completion in 1947.

Ilia Topuria to potentially fight at the Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid

With his win over Alexander Volkanovski in Anaheim, Ilia Topuria moved to a perfect 15-0 in his mixed martial arts career with his last seven victories coming inside the Octagon. He has finished all, but two of his opponents, including five knockouts and eight wins by way of submission.

Even if Topuria can’t lure Conor McGregor into a fight, he has a host of contenders waiting for an opportunity at the top of the featherweight division — chief among them being Brian Ortega who is coming off a big win against former interim champion Yair Rodriguez in February. And, of course, there’s always Max Holloway, a former champion and perennial contender who currently sits as the No. 2 ranked fighter in the weight class.

Alexander Volkanovski backed to make UFC return despite recent knockout loss: ‘He doesn’t have any symptoms’

Alexander Volkanovski backed to make UFC return despite KO loss he has no symptomsFormer UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski appears to have recovered well following his loss to Ilia Topuria.  Topuria would…

Alexander Volkanovski backed to make UFC return despite KO loss he has no symptoms

Former UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski appears to have recovered well following his loss to Ilia Topuria. 

Topuria would hand Volkanovski his second successive knockout in just three months earlier this month. Ever the competitor, Alexander Volkanvoski wants to get the rematch on but will have to take some time out after two heaving stoppage losses. 

Alexander Volkanovski recovering well from KO loss at UFC 298

On a positive note, one of Alexander Volkanovski’s coaches Eugene Bareman said that the 35-year-old is showing good signs in terms of a concussion, but will still have to take a needed, and deserved break. 

“In terms of his symptoms, he doesn’t have any symptoms,” Bareman said during an interview with Combat TV. “Which was not the case in the last knockout. There’s so many variables when it comes to having a knockout and how much, how many symptoms you suffer, and all of that. I don’t know the science behind it and I’m not gonna begin to try to understand it. But he seems to not be as affected by this concussion as he was by the last one. I won’t be able to tell you why.” 

“He definitely needs to rest. He needs to rest his head. But … he needs to be sensible, but he also will be very keen to get that rematch this year.”

When Volkaonvski does return, Bareman believes that it should be in a rematch against Topuria. The City Kickboxing coach credits Volkaonvski for how he has held himself both in, and out, of the cage. 

“I think he’s done everything that he needs to do as a champion, represented himself, his family, his team, and most of all the company well. He’s been a long-standing champion, he’s defended many times, fought through injuries, taken fights on short notice for the company. He checks every box there is in relation to getting an immediate rematch,” Bareman said.

“And one of the other important boxes he checks: is there a bigger fight to make than that fight in the division? And the answer is no, there’s not. So the team is doing everything we can to secure the rematch and we’ll do everything in our power to turn that result around.”

Will Alexander Volkanovski become UFC champion again?

Ilia Topuria warns Alexander Volkanovski away from rematch fight: ‘For his own sake, he shouldn’t’

Ilia Topuria warns Alexander Volkanovski away from UFC rematch for his own sake he shouldn'tUndisputed featherweight champion, Ilia Topuria has heaped praise on recent foe, ex-champion, Alexander Volkanovski following his surprising win at…

Ilia Topuria warns Alexander Volkanovski away from UFC rematch for his own sake he shouldn't

Undisputed featherweight champion, Ilia Topuria has heaped praise on recent foe, ex-champion, Alexander Volkanovski following his surprising win at UFC 298 earlier this month, however, in the same breathe, warned the Australian away from a title rematch in the future – for his own sake.

Topuria, who headlined UFC 298 earlier this month, managed to turn in a spectacular second round win over featherweight-perfect gold holder, Volkanovski in the pair’s title fight in Anaheim, stopping the New South Wales favorite with a blistering knockout win.

And welcoming the possibility of a return at a proposed UFC Spain event – potentially at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium – home to La Liga giants, Real Madrid, Topuira has been linked with an immediate rematch against Volkanovski, who himself has voiced his interest in fighting the Spaniard again. 

“Next time it’ll be different, but I’m going to just have a little bit of a rest,” Alexander Volkanovski said on after UFC 298. “I definitely want that rematch [with Ilia Topuria]. Spain, what I’m hearing, is gonna happen. Dana (White) wants Spain. Obviously, Ilia wants Spain.”

“That probably won’t be until later this year, so the timing would be perfect for me to spend time with the fa, rest up a little bit, look after myself and then we’ll get back in there,” Alexander Volkanovski explained. “We’ll make it right.” 

Ilia Topuria issues warning to Alexander Volkanovski

And warning the Joe Lopez trainee away from pursuing an immediate title re-run in the future, Topuria appeared to shut down a rematch with Volkanovksi next – for the sake of the Australian.

“It has been an honor to share the Octagon with [Alexander Volkanovski],” Ilia Topuria told El Hormiguero during a recent interview. “He has been pound-for-pound number one. For his sake, he shouldn’t take revenge.” 

Who wins in a future title rematch: Ilia Topuria or Alexander Volkanovski?

Ilia Topuria opens as huge betting favorite to beat Alexander Volkanovski after stunning win at UFC 298

Ilia Topuria opens as betting favorite to beat Alexander Volkanovski in rematch after UFC 298Newly-minted undisputed featherweight champion, Ilia Topuria may have drawn the lines to the wire in his pick ‘em fight…

Ilia Topuria opens as betting favorite to beat Alexander Volkanovski in rematch after UFC 298

Newly-minted undisputed featherweight champion, Ilia Topuria may have drawn the lines to the wire in his pick ‘em fight with Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298 over the course of the weekend, however, the new kingpin has opened as a clear betting favorite to beat the Australian in an immediate rematch. 

Topuria, who improved to 15-0 as a professional over the weekend in Anaheim, became the first Spaniard to land Octagon gold in the main event of UFC 298 – stopping the lengthy title reign of Volkanovski with a devastating second round KO win.

Seeing his attempted sixth successful defense of the featherweight crown shattered as a result, Volkanovski’s defeat to Topuria followed a similarly brutal first round KO loss to Islam Makhachev just last October, in the pair’s short-notice lightweight title rematch.

Ilia Topuria opens as betting favorite to beat Alex Volkanovski in rematch

And with betting odds poised for release on Bodog Sportsbook, German-born champion, Ilia Topuria has opened as a stunning -240 betting favorite to beat the +205 betting underdog, Alexander Volkanovski if they share the Octagon immediately again. 

Suggesting the possibility of a return to his residence in Spain for a promotional-first event, Topuria has staked his claim for a mega-fight with former two-weight champion, Conor McGregor at any weight in his next Octagon walk, however, Volkanovski has also requested his own re-run first and foremost.

And welcoming the idea of a trip to Europe for his next walk, Volkanovski appeared all ears to a UFC Spain outing – potentially as the Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid, Volkanovski claims a return later this year against Topuria would be perfect timing for him. 

“Next time it’ll be different, but I’m going to just have a little bit of a rest,” Alexander Volkanovski said after UFC 298. “I definitely want that rematch [with Ilia Topuria]. Spain, what I’m hearing, is gonna happen. Dana (White) wants Spain. Obviously, Ilia wants Spain.”

“That probably won’t be until later this year, so the timing would be perfect for me to spend time with the fam, rest up a little bit, look after myself and then we’ll get back in there,” Alexander Volkanovski explained. “We’ll make it right.” 

And prior to UFC 298, Topuria shut down the chances of title fights against the likes of Max Holloway, Yair Rodriguez and Brian Ortega in the future – and remains hellbent on luring former divisional titleholder, McGregor back to the Octagon – at any weight possible.

“Dana (White), it’s showtime, it’s time to take the UFC to Spain,” Ilia Topuria said after his knockout win over Alexander Volkanovski. “And, Conor McGregor: If you still have some b*lls, I’ll be waiting for you in Spain.” 

Unbeaten at the featherweight limit during his Octagon tenure prior to his knockout loss to Topuria, Joe Lopez trainee, Volkanovski had successfully defended the title against Max Holloway twice, as well as the above-mentioned pair of Rodriguez, and Ortega, and a dominant knockout win over Chan Sung Jung saw him successfully retain the throne again. 

Can Ilia Topuria beat Alex Volkanovski for a second time in a rematch?

Alexander Volkanovski vows to land title rematch with Ilia Topuria at UFC Spain: ‘Next time it’ll be different’

Alexander Volkanovski vows to land UFC Spain rematch with Ilia Topuria it'll be different next timeOff the back of his shocking featherweight championship loss at UFC 298 over the course of the weekend, Australian…

Alexander Volkanovski vows to land UFC Spain rematch with Ilia Topuria it'll be different next time

Off the back of his shocking featherweight championship loss at UFC 298 over the course of the weekend, Australian veteran, Alexander Volkanovski has vowed to land himself an immediate title fight rematch with Ilia Topuria, if the promotion elects to bring the Octagon to Spain for the first time in it’s history.

Volkanovski, the former pound-for-pound number one ranked fighter under the promotion’s banner, saw his promotional-perfect featherweight division run, as well as his five-fight successful title defense reign come to a shattering end at UFC 298 over the course of the weekend.

Returning to the limit in Anaheim following an October high-kick and strikes KO loss to Islam Makhachev in a short-notice lightweight title re-run, Volkanovski was dropped in the second round by Georgian-Spaniard, Topuria – who backed the champion to the fence, before unleashing a stunning right hook, sending him to the canvas unconscious.

Alexander Volkanovski eyes UFC Spain return

And warned against his hasty return against Topuria at UFC 298 following his knockout defeat to pound-for-pound kingpin, Makhachev, Volkanovski has vowed to chase an immediate rematch with the newly-minted Topuria, with all eyes on a UFC Spain debut for the organization – potentially at the magnificent Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid. 

“Next time it’ll be different, but I’m going to just have a little bit of a rest,” Alexander Volkanovski said on his YouTube channel after UFC 298. “I definitely want that rematch [with Ilia Topuria]. Spain, what I’m hearing, is gonna happen. Dana (White) wants Spain. Obviously, Ilia wants Spain.”

“That probably won’t be until later this year, so the timing would be perfect for me to spend time with the fa, rest up a little bit, look after myself and then we’ll get back in there,” Alexander Volkanovski explained. “We’ll make it right.”

Do you think Alexander Volkanovski beats Ilia Topuria in a title rematch?