Ilia Topuria would love the chance to go head-to-head with Islam Makhachev for light-weight supremacy. And one UFC icon thinks the Spanish-Georgian has what it takes to get the stoppage.
‘El Matador’ is rapidly proving himself as the most effective 145-pound fighters the game of combined martial arts has ever seen.
Alexander Volkanovski thinks Ilia Topuria can knockout Islam Makhachev
On Saturday night, at UFC 308, contained in the Etihad Area in Abu Dhabi, UAE, Ilia Topuria produced a scintillating efficiency to knock Max Holloway out chilly.
Now, the deadly operator is eager to maneuver as much as the 155-pound division and check out his abilities in opposition to Islam Makhachev.
And whereas many suppose a conflict with the Russian is likely to be a step too far, Alexander Volkanovski is satisfied his rival has a shot.
Having shared the octagon with each males, the Australian is within the excellent place to research a possible match-up.
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And whereas he believes it could be unwise for Topuria to grapple with Makhachev, he’s satisfied within the putting division; the 27-year-old has each probability of touchdown a fight-ending blow.
In an interview on The Ariel Helwani Show, ‘The Nice’ stated: “A submission, I can’t see that occuring. Can he knock Islam out? Completely, sure, after all. He may knock anyone out in these two divisions.
“I’ve all the time stated that the one means I can see these guys dropping myself, is that if they get caught. Who can catch these guys? It’s guys like Ilia.
“He may go on the market and land. That’s his solely probability. Going on the market and submitting and controlling Islam could be very unlikely. However Ilia may positively catch him; you may by no means rely him out.”
Alexander Volkanovski and Ilia Topuria go head-to-head within the cage
As quickly as Holloway left the octagon at UFC 308, Volkanovski entered, eager to earn redemption in opposition to the person who relieved him of his featherweight title.
However moderately than partaking in trash speak, the pair shared a nice alternate.
Topuria stated if ‘anybody deserves a shot, it’s him’, exhibiting the respect he has for the person who beforehand reigned over the division.
However what did Volkanovski say to the warrior who rendered him unconscious back in January?
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