Ilia Topuria has become the new UFC featherweight champion after defeating Alexander Volkanovski with a right hook at UFC 298.
Well, folks, it’s official. Ilia Topuria is the UFC’s new featherweight champ. He took down Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298 with a right hook that had us all gasping.
Topuria, the young lion, did exactly what he said he’d do. He went up against the veteran Volkanovski and came out on top. It didn’t happen in one round, as he’d predicted, but the knockout at 3:32 of the second round left no doubt. Topuria is the new dominant force at 145 pounds.
So, what did other fighters have to say about this match-up? Let’s take a look.
Jared Gordon (@JFlashGordonMMA) tweeted, “Not taking anything away from Ilia. But Volk came back wayyy too fast.” Yeah, maybe Volk rushed it a bit, huh?
Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) had some kind words for both fighters. He tweeted, “Alex is undeniably one of the greatest champion in the FW division. Keep your head up and come back strong! Congrats to new champ Topuria, well done биджо!”
Rampage Jackson (@Rampage4real) summed up the fight perfectly, tweeting, “Now that’s MMA, that’s a fight. Congrats to both.” Couldn’t have said it better myself.
Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) gave a shoutout to Ilia and his team, tweeting, “A new king on the throne! Congrats to Ilia, Merab, and the country of Georgia and Spain! #UFC298.”
Movsar Evloev (@MovsarUFC) is already eyeing the belt, tweeting, “My congratulations to the new champion. I’m coming for you and taking that belt from you #ufc298.” Watch out, Ilia!
Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) praised Ilia’s strategy, tweeting, “Illia fought a great calculated fight.”
Ben Askren (@Benaskren) was impressed by Topuria’s power, tweeting, “Wow Topouria’s power is something else!! He hits so hard.”
Damien Brown (@beatdown155) gave a balanced view, tweeting, “Holy %&ken right hand @ 145lb #UFC298. Volk was looking great just got caught backing up to the fence. Amazing timing and power by Topuria. Hard to watch as an Aussie, Volks the man.”
Kenny Florian (@kennyflorian) warned against blaming the KO loss on Islam, tweeting, “Whatever you do, don’t blame the KO loss to Islam as a reason for main event result. Topuria power is real and that right hand was available from the beginning with Volk pulling back in that manner. Much to discuss tomorrow on @AnikFlorianPod #UFC298.”
So there you have it, folks. A new champ, a thrilling fight, and plenty of reactions from the MMA community. Stay tuned for more updates.