The undefeated fighter dethrones Alexander Volkanovski in the second round
Ilia Topuria made history on Saturday night by becoming the first Georgian to win a UFC championship belt. He defeated Alexander Volkanovski by knockout in the second round of their featherweight title fight at UFC 298 in Anaheim, California.
Topuria, who lives and trains in Spain, showcased his striking skills and power by dominating the former champion from the start. He landed a crisp left-right combination that rocked Volkanovski and followed up with a perfect right hand that dropped him to the canvas. He then finished him off with a big left hand and some ground and pound, forcing the referee to stop the fight at 3:32 of the second round.
This victory marks Topuria’s 15th consecutive win in MMA, maintaining an undefeated record in his career. He also improved to 7-0 in the UFC since joining the promotion in late 2020.
Topuria calls out Conor McGregor after winning the title
After the fight, Topuria was emotional as he celebrated his historic achievement with his team and the fans. He thanked his coaches, family, and supporters for believing in him and helping him reach his dream.
He also issued a challenge to one of the biggest stars in the sport, Conor McGregor. He said he wanted to fight the former two-division champion next and prove that he is the best featherweight in the world.
“I feel so happy right now. I worked so hard for this moment. I knew I was going to be the champion. I put it in my bio months ago. I manifested it. I’m the best in the world and I’m ready for anyone,” Topuria said in his post-fight interview.
“Conor McGregor, I know you’re watching. You’re a legend of the sport, but you’re not the same fighter anymore. You’ve lost your hunger, your passion, your fire. You’re just chasing money and fame. You don’t belong here anymore. I’m the new king of this division and I want to fight you next. Let’s make it happen. I’ll knock you out in the first round, just like I did to Volkanovski.”
Volkanovski suffers first featherweight loss in UFC, praises Topuria
Volkanovski, who had been the featherweight champion since late 2019, suffered his first loss in the division in the UFC. He had previously defended his title five times, including two wins over Max Holloway and one over Brian Ortega.
He also failed to become a two-division champion last year, when he lost twice to lightweight champion Islam Makhachev.
Volkanovski was gracious in defeat and praised Topuria for his performance. He said he had no excuses and admitted that he was outclassed by the younger and hungrier fighter.
“He was the better man tonight. He caught me with a good shot and finished me. He’s a great fighter and a deserving champion. I have nothing but respect for him,” Volkanovski said.
“I’m not going to give up. I’m still one of the best in the world and I’ll be back stronger. I’ll work on my mistakes and come back for that belt. I still have a lot to offer in this sport and I’m not done yet.”
UFC plans to debut in Spain with Topuria’s next fight
UFC president Dana White was impressed by Topuria’s performance and said he was a star in the making. He said he was planning to make the UFC’s debut in Spain with Topuria’s next fight, possibly against McGregor.
“He’s a phenomenal fighter and a huge star. He’s got everything. He’s got the skills, the power, the charisma, the confidence. He’s a champion and he acts like one. He’s got a huge fan base in Georgia and Spain, and we’re going to tap into that market. We’re going to make our first event in Spain with him headlining, and it’s going to be huge,” White said.
“He called out Conor McGregor, and that’s a big fight. That’s a fight that makes sense. Conor is always looking for big fights, and this is one of them. He’s a former featherweight champion and he’s still a big name in the sport. If he wants to come back and fight for the title, he’s got to go through Topuria. And that’s not an easy task. Topuria is a beast and he’s not afraid of anyone. He’s ready to take on the world.”
