Alexander Volkanovski has been preparing for his next title defense after his embarrassing loss against Islam Makhachev in October last year. After ensuring the world that he has what it takes to stop Islam in the rematch, Makhachev shuts the door on “The Great” in the first round. B
However, after trying two champion vs. champion bouts, now it’s time for Volkanovski to defend his own title against Illa Topuria on the night of UFC 298. Even Volkanovski’s biggest rival, Max Holloway, can’t resist looking into this match-up.
Max Holloway talks about the Alexander Volkanovski vs. Ilia Topuria bout
The war of words has already begun between Volkanovski and Topuria, but there is also one more fighter who has his eyes set on this title fight, waiting once again to get his turn to get back his title, which he kept losing against Alexander Volkanovski.
“The Great” is the only fighter who gave Max Holloway the biggest upset of his professional career. After consistently trying three times, Holloway couldn’t find a way to stop the domination the 35-year-old champ brought into the cage against him.
Max Holloway recently had a talk with Kevin Iole about his upcoming match-up at UFC 300 for the BMF title against Justin Gaethje, but Kevin also didn’t back away from asking about the upcoming featherweight division main event where ‘Blessed’ used to compete. Max replied that there is only one way Volkanovski can win this matchup: by having the “healthiest training camp.”
“As long as Volk has the healthiest training camp, a great training camp, and he doesn’t get hurt in his training camp, it’s hard to bet against Volk, but you never know. It’s MMA; Topuria’s a young dude, so we’ll see what happens. A lot of people are counting Volk out because of his last fight.” Via MMA Junkie.
Holloway also commented that Illa Topuria is in favor of odds because Alexander Volkanovski lost the last fight against Islam, and Topuria is a young fighter who may find his way to victory.
Volk vs. Topuria match preview
The fight between Alexander Volkanovski and Ilia Topuria is all set to take place at the Honda Center in Anaheim. The reigning champion will be entering the cage with -150 betting odds due to his past performance.
Right now, ‘The Great’ holds a 26-win record with 3 losses. Although he had a 22-win winning streak in the featherweight division, the last fight heartbreak has made the MMA community lose some faith in him.
On the other side, Ilia Topuria has a record of 14 fights, of which 12 were won with the help of referee stoppages. Topuria is also a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, with eight submission wins to his name in his 14-fight win streak. It will be a real test for Volk as he is up against an undefeated submission artist this time. Via Cbssports.
Who are you supporting in this match-up between Alexander Volkanovski and Illa Topuria?
