Ilia Topuria has spoken about a certain advantage he believes he holds over Alexander Volkanovski. Rising star Topuria is due to face champion Volkanovski at UFC 298 in February next year. The Georgian believes that he will be the first one to beat ‘The Great’ at featherweight and take the title in the process.
Ilia Topuria Advantage
In an appearance on the ‘Overdogs‘ podcast, Topuria revealed where he thinks he has the advantage over the current featherweight champion.
“That’s where I really think I have the advantage with him because he’s a good striker, but he’s not a natural wrestler, or he’s not good on the ground. That’s where I’m going to make a difference,” said Topuria.
“For me, what happened in his last fight (with Makhachev) doesn’t change anything. I know the result will be the same, training is the same, the focus is the same. I’m going to train for the best in the world, and I’m pretty sure I’m going to get that win.
“He already lost. He already knows how that feels. I don’t know how that feels, and I better never taste how that’s going to feel,” he continued.
‘El Matador’ was not short on confidence when giving details on his future plans.
“So, that’s what I think is going to happen that I’m going to beat Volk on February 17th and then I’m going to fight Max Holloway here in Spain. That’s my goal right now, and I think it’s going to happen.”
All quotes credit to bjpenn.com
Topuria vs Volkanovski
Topuria vs Volkanovski is one of the best fights you can make in MMA right now. Volkanovski may have lost two of his last three fights, but both losses came against Islam Makhachev at lightweight. The Australian has dominated the featherweight division for seven years and shows no signs of slowing down at 145lbs.
On the other hand, Topuria is yet to experience defeat in his professional career. At 14-0, he has risen through the ranks at an alarming rate, destroying every opponent in his path. The 26-year-old has finished four of his last five opponents, and in his most recent fight he cruised to a decision win after battering Josh Emmett.
It is the perfect time to make this fight. It’s extremely intriguing on paper due to the dominance both fighters have asserted upon this division. Could this be a changing of the guard? Something has to give.
Will Topuria dethrone Volkanovski? Let us know in the comments.
