Topuria Warns Volkanovski Against Being A UFC 308 Back Up
Ilia Topuria has warned Alexander Volkanovski against taking the role as back-up for his upcoming fight with Max Holloway.
Topuria defends his UFC Featherweight Title on October 26 for the first time. He acquired the belt with a stoppage win over Volkanovski in his last fight at UFC 298. Volk was stopped for the first time at the weight class as his four-year reign as champion was over. It was also the second time he stopped consecutively after Islam Makhachev knocked him out in their rematch at lightweight.
That left questions marks over where Volkanovski goes next. He has still expressed his desire to get the Topuria rematch. He could have also taken a bout at lightweight, but it appears he is not rushing into anything as he aims to position himself for a title shot. Volkanovski has stated that he will attend the UFC 308 event to get a closer look at the champion.
Topuria On Volk
“I reckon I’ll be there, you know what I mean? I’m usually hanging around and pestering my managers and the matchmakers. I’m always hanging around. You can’t get rid of me. I’ll be there,” Volkanovski said
But that is as far as Topuria said Volk should go, as he advised him not being a back-up as he would get knocked out.
“Listen, I don’t know (if that’s a good idea).He wants to get knocked out every year. Twice, maybe someone has to give him good advice. He needs some rest. I’m telling you, he needs some rest. His head at least,” Topuria revealed
Topuria’s Aim
Topuria cannot afford to overlook Holloway. He has said he will become the first man to stop Blessed. His UFC record is 7-0, with five stoppages, showing he can end the fight inside the distance. However, Holloway is also in impressive form. He has three wins on the bounce, as he stopped Justin Gaethje at UFC 300 in his last fight.
Holloway was well ahead in the fight but urged Gaethje to meet him in the centre in the final round. They exchanged as Holloway landed a big right hand to end the fight with a second left. The win made him the BMF champion, although that belt is not on the line in the Topuria fight. Topuria is open to facing the best, as a Volk rematch could play out if there is a demand for it. But his priority is to deal with Holloway, as a win for either fighter makes them a big PPV star.
“My business and my job is to fight, no matter who is in front of me. I’m the world champion. I had my preferences before that I wanted to fight people who was next to me in the rankings, to get my chance to fight for the title as soon as possible. But now, when I’m the world champion, I don’t care. Give me a name. Give me a place. I’m going to give you a masterpiece of mixed martial arts,” Topuria stated
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