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Ilia Topuria has big ambitions in the UFC featherweight division. He is set to challenge Alexander Volkanovski, the current UFC featherweight champion, at UFC 298 in February. Topuria, who is known as “El Matador” for his knockout power, has 18 finishes in his MMA career.
Ilia Topuria is not only focused on Alexander Volkanovski, but also on Max Holloway, the former UFC featherweight champion and one of the best fighters in the sport.
Holloway, who goes by the nickname “Blessed”, is currently without a fight, and is hoping to return at UFC 300 in a BMF title bout against Justin Gaethje. However, if Topuria defeats Volkanovski, Holloway may get a chance to fight for the undisputed title. Moreover, if the Spanish fighter wins in February, he would love to defend the title in his home country.
“For me, what happened in his last fight doesn’t change anything,” Topuria said on the OverDogs Podcast. “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 has really nothing to lose. 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.” (h/t MMA Fighting)
He added, “So, that’s what I think is going to happen that I’m going to beat ‘Volk’ on February 17 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.”
What are your thoughts on these statements from Ilia Topuria? Do you think he’ll beat Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298?