Ilia Topuria has cautioned Alexander Volkanovski in opposition to accepting a backup position for upcoming title combat at UFC 308.
Topuria (15-0 MMA) is about to defend his featherweight title for the primary time in opposition to former division champion Max Holloway (26-7 MMA) this coming October in Abu Dhabi.
‘El Matador’ had after all captured the promotion’s coveted featherweight title this previous February at UFC 298 when he knocked out Alexander Volkanovski within the second spherical (see that right here).
It was throughout a latest Q&A earlier this month in Australia that Volkanovski expressed his want to be in attendance at UFC 308 and presumably function the backup fighter for Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway.
“I reckon I’ll be there, you understand what I imply?” Volkanovski mentioned h/t MMAJunkie). “I’m often hanging round and pestering my managers and the matchmakers. I’m all the time hanging round. You may’t do away with me. I’ll be there.”
These feedback weren’t properly obtained by Topuria, because the Spaniard strongly believes Volkanovski must take a while off to relaxation.
“Pay attention, I don’t know (if that’s a good suggestion),” Topuria mentioned. “He needs to get knocked out yearly. Twice, possibly somebody has to offer him good recommendation. He wants some relaxation. I’m telling you, he wants some relaxation. His head not less than.”
Though Ilia Topuria believes ‘The Nice’ ought to take a break, he gained’t draw back from a rematch if one thing ought to occur to Max Holloway:
“My enterprise and my job is to combat, regardless of who’s in entrance of me,” Topuria mentioned. “I’m the world champion. I had my preferences earlier than that I needed to combat individuals who was subsequent to me within the rankings, to get my likelihood to combat for the title as quickly as potential. However now, after I’m the world champion, I don’t care. Give me a reputation. Give me a spot. I’m going to offer you a masterpiece of combined martial arts.”
Do you agree with Ilia Topuria that Alexander Volkanovski ought to keep away from accepting a backup position for UFC 308?
