Ilia Topuria isn’t too high on idea of Alexander Volkanovski rematch following UFC 298: “It’s time to move on”
Ilia Topuria has responded to Alexander Volkanovski calling for an immediate rematch following UFC 298.
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Topuria challenged Volkanovski for the UFC Featherweight Championship inside the Honda Center in Anaheim, California on Saturday night. After a solid opening round of action, Topuria landed a right hook that shut the lights off Volkanovski in the second stanza. This marks the beginning of “El Matador’s” reign with the UFC 145-pound gold.
Volkanovski is already pounding the table for a rematch with Topuria. The newly-minted featherweight champion isn’t so gung-ho about the idea.
Ilia Topuria On Alexander Volkanovski Wanting Rematch
Topuria spoke to members of the media during the UFC 298 post-fight press conference. Ilia said that while Volkanovski is someone he respects, he doesn’t feel the need to run things back with the former 145-pound titleholder (via MMAJunkie.com).
“He’s such a good person,” Topuria said. “To be honest, at this point, I’m like, OK, I’m going to give him the rematch because he’s a good person. But at the same time, it’s time to move on. It’s time to clean up the division a little bit. It’s time for the new generation to have new challengers, new faces, and I think I will be looking for that. But to honest, my job is to fight. Whoever they tell me I’m going to have to face and fight next, I will be there. That’s it.”
Topuria now sets his sights on a title defense in Spain. UFC CEO Dana White told media members that he’s eager to make the trip now that “El Matador” has emerged as a superstar champion. One would imagine that Ilia Topuria headlining an event in Spain would draw massive business. If it does indeed happen, it’ll be interesting to see who the newly-minted UFC featherweight champion will face.
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Topics:
Alex Volkanovski Ilia Topuria UFC