Kamaru Usman believes Ilia Topuria is every bit of what he says he is. The Spaniard has been facing a lot of hostility from fans for allegedly copying Conor McGregor and disrespecting Alexander Volkanovski’s skill set. Moreover, his antics outside the Octagon have not done him any favors in getting the fan’s support. However, according to Kamaru Usman, Topuria is purely confident and can become the first fighter to beat Alexander Volkanovski in the UFC’s featherweight division.
Kamaru Usman thinks Ilia Topuria has a real chance at beating Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298
The former UFC Champion also recalled a sparring session with the featherweight contender in a recent video on his YouTube channel.
“Ilia Topuria riding that wave. I mean, this guy is the real deal. I had the pleasure of moving around with him while he was here down in South Florida. This kid’s got real skills, and I mean real skills. He can box, he can grapple, he can kickbox, he can wrestle. He is not lying when he says he is an evolution of the game.” Usman said on Topuria.
Be that as it may, Usman is not going against Volkanovski, who has proved time and again why he is one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time.
“If it goes decision, I am going for the Champion. But I think if this fight stops early, I think Topuria is going to have to put himself in those positions to take those risks, and he’s got crazy combinations. If I had to pick, a gun on my head, I am gonna have to go with Alexander Volkanovski.”
“AND STILL!”@AlexVolkanovski is ready to defend the featherweight title tomorrow night at #UFC298 pic.twitter.com/EGFngj6UpH
— UFC (@ufc) February 17, 2024
Kamaru Usman believes Volkanovski’s experience in five-round fights and his past performances, where he has shown his ability to adapt to his opponents, could prove to be too much for the Spaniard if it goes the distance.
However, that doesn’t mean Topuria doesn’t carry the power to shut the lights out of Volkanovski. How do you think the fight goes? Do let us know in the comments section.