The UFC is the biggest mixed martial arts event in the world, and it will see a Spanish fighter for the first time in history. Ilia Topuria will clash with Alexander Volkanovski in the highly anticipated matchup. Best wishes poured in for Topuria, as stars like Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz extended their support.
Ahead of his UFC 298 fight against Alexander, Ilia stands on the cusp of history. When he takes on Volkanovski in the main event, ‘El Matador’ has a shot at his first UFC gold. Topuria has been in dominant form, and he has won all six of his UFC bouts so far. Moreover, he holds an impeccable record of 14-0 and has yet to taste defeat.
The cream of Spanish sports, like Nadal, Iker Casillas, and a host of others, wished him luck ahead of the clash. Topuria compiled them into a three-minute video and shared it on social media, expressing his gratitude.
No puedo estar más agradecido por todos los mensajes de apoyo y ánimo que he recibido. Hace 15 años llegué a este gran país junto a mi familia con la visión y determinación de cambiar nuestra suerte y el sábado os devolveré todo este cariño que me habéis dado con un título… pic.twitter.com/MbNPvSzelv
— Ilia Topuria (@Topuriailia) February 16, 2024
Tennis sensation Alcaraz assured him that he would be tuning in to watch the fight and send him “all my energy.” Even Nadal stated, “We will exert force,” confident that he would bring the title to Spain.
It will not be an easy match by any means. Volkanovski is on the hunt for his sixth title after losing to Islam Makhachev in the first round last year. With two nations backing him, Ilia Topuria is hyped for the main fight of UFC 298 this weekend. If his confident demeanor in the lead-up to the match is anything to go by, he will fancy his chances.
What did Ilia Topuria tell Alexander Volkanovski ahead of their clash?
Ilia Topuria is just one step away from realizing all his dreams. He has been brash with his comments, trying to rile up Alexander, going so far as to say he was not a “finisher.”
“I understand that he doesn’t have knockout power. I have knockout power. He goes on volume, that’s how he wins his fights. He’s not a finisher, when a fight goes to the ground, he’s not known for finishing,” he said (via SPORTbible).
Topuria copied Connor McGregor against Jose Aldo when he snatched Alexander’s belt. However, his polite comment to Volkanovski showed exactly how he felt.
“I respect you as a person and as a professional. I’m just following my dreams.”
Respect. pic.twitter.com/8nEStqYAMg
— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) February 16, 2024
Ilia Topuria is on the brink of history as he takes on the five-time champion. They are set to clash at the Honda Center in Anaheim on February 17.