Ilia Topuria did the unthinkable, knocking Alexander Volkanovski out cold at UFC 298 to become the new UFC Featherweight Champion in Anaheim, California.
The Spaniard had a close first round but looked more comfortable in the second round, where he eventually finished Volkanovski with a single punch that left him cold on the canvas.
ILIA TOPURIA KNOCKED ALEXANDER VOLKANOVSKI OUT COLD 🤯 pic.twitter.com/DrbcTwCgFB
— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) February 18, 2024
Joe Rogan, who was in the commentary booth for UFC 298, shared his thoughts during the live broadcast. “His power is so phenomenal, and as we were talking about before, his technique is so precise. There is no wasted movement, all of it is done perfectly.” Rogan said. “He caught one of the greatest of all time tonight. It is a changing of the guard but ushering in the new era.” He added.
“I think he is one of the best fighters alive.” Rogan further lauded the newly crowned champion.
Ilia Topuria calls out Conor McGregor after UFC 298 win
Soon after the victory, Ilia Topuria called out Conor McGregor for a potential showdown in Spain. “Conor McGregor, if you still have some balls, I will be waiting for you in Spain.” Topuria proclaimed during the Octagon interview.
“And Conor McGregor, if you still have some balls, I will be waiting for you in Spain.”
Ilia Topuria 😮 pic.twitter.com/iURgJFRzhZ
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 18, 2024
The sky is the limit for the Spaniard fighter, who must have made a lot of fans tonight with the devastating KO win over Alexander Volkanovski. Moreover, the crowd backing the UFC featherweight with chants of “Ilia” on various occasions during the fight speaks volumes about the kind of fanbase that Topuria brings to the UFC.
Ilia Topuria vs Conor McGregor is an exciting match-up that’s sure to get the interest of fight fans worldwide. Even if that’s not the next fight to make, if Topuria can secure a couple more victories to his name in a similar fashion, it’s safe to say that Topuria vs McGregor will naturally come up on its own.