Dana White reacts to Ilia Topuria’s knockout win over Alex Volkanovski at UFC 298, says he’s not thinking about an immediate rematch
UFC CEO Dana White has reacted to Ilia Topuria’s blockbuster knockout over Alexander Volkanovski.
Last night, Ilia Topuria shocked the world. He knocked out Alexander Volkanovski in the second round of their mammoth title showdown, becoming the new UFC featherweight champion in the process. With the win, Topuria now has the chance to become a true breakout star in the promotion after a phenomenal rise to the top.
RELATED: UFC 298 Results: Ilia Topuria KO’s Alex Volkanovski (Video)
Of course, as you can imagine, Topuria is pretty eager to take the UFC to Spain for the first time ever. In his post-fight press conference, Dana White discussed that potential event as well as what’s next for Volkanovski.
We’re going to Spain, but I don’t know it’ll be Volkanovski rematch
Dana White on Ilia Topuria 1st title defence#UFC #UFC300 #MMA pic.twitter.com/bnn4tVTKm8
— Proper Sport (@ProperSport) February 18, 2024
White praises Topuria
“Listen, there were a lot of questions going into this thing, [Topuria has] never been in a main event like this, never felt the heat, the pressure. He couldn’t have looked any better against a Volk who looked really good too. That fight was heating up, they were exchanging. Topuria looked solid, man, very solid.”
“I wanna go to Spain, too! We’re going to Spain. If there’s a venue available for us [for his first title defence], we’ll be there.”
White was then asked whether or not Volkanovski will get an immediate rematch.
“I don’t know yet. It just happened. I’m not even thinking about that right now.”
There’s no denying that Ilia is now one of the biggest names in the company. On the flip side, Volkanovski has been a truly remarkable champion, and it’d be somewhat surprising if we don’t see him get a chance to immediately regain the gold.
Do you believe Alexander Volkanovski should get an immediate rematch against Ilia Topuria? If so, when do you think would be the best time to book the fight? Let us know, BJPENN Nation!
