SUMMARY
- At UFC 298, Ilia Topura won the featherweight belt by knocking out Alexander Volkanovski.
- In an interview, coach Javier Mendez revealed that he was not surprised by the outcome of Topuria vs. Volkanovski.
UFC 298 took place over the weekend, and many fans and experts received a big shock regarding their predictions. With many still digesting the events that transpired, some were quietly confident of the eventual outcomes. As such, one person was not too shocked when Alexander Volkanovski lost his title.
Fans of ‘The Great‘ saw their worst dreams come true after Ilia Topuria snatched away his featherweight title at UFC 298. With a lot of drama in the buildup, fans were torn between choosing the featherweight GOAT and the surging contender. Eventually, it was Topuria that emerged victorious, breaking the hearts of many. However, Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov’s coach was not surprised.
Speaking to Helen Yee, Coach Javier Mendez revealed, “I wasn’t surprised that it (the knockout) did happen, because Ilia is really really sharp with his boxing”. Further, he stated, “Volkanovski makes a lot of mistakes, I know we fought him twice, so we know he makes mistakes, I’ve seen it”. According to Mendez, Topuria is much sharper and tighter with his boxing, something he was criticized for saying before the fight.
Alexander Volkanovski was knocked out cold at UFC 298
Although Javier Mendez did not predict the exact ending, he never ruled out the possibility of an early KO. Coming into the fight, there were numerous comparisons made between Ilia Topuria and Conor McGregor. Notably, the Irishman also snatched the featherweight title from Jose Aldo in impeccable fashion, and many feared that the same would happen again.
Despite it not being a legendary 13-second KO, many will argue that Alexander Volkanovski suffered a much more brutal KO. Having fought a pretty level first round against ‘El Matador‘, many felt that the champ would solidify his position in the second round. Unfortunately, that was not the case, as Topuria pushed the pace even more in the second round.
ILIA TOPURIA KNOCKED ALEXANDER VOLKANOVSKI OUT COLD pic.twitter.com/zvGldhWxCy
— Stream Highlights Clips (@selfemprovement) February 18, 2024
Having parried most of Ilia’s attacks, Volk eventually found himself backpedaling until he was against the cage. For the most part, it is a dangerous position to be in, as that is where Topuria does his best work. Realizing that he was in a favorable position, Ilia let loose a flurry of punches, with one catching Alex clean on the chin. Immediately, Alex’s lights were shut off as he slumped to the ground in a heap, completely unconscious.
Islam Makhachev’s message to Volkanovski
Following the events of UFC 298, many took to social media to share their thoughts on what had just happened. Among the whole host of UFC fighters present ringside and watching from home, was Islam Makhachev. In the past, Makhachev and Volkanovski have had a great rivalry, spanning across two fights last year.
Whilst the outcome of their first fight at UFC 284 remains heavily debated, there was no question about the second. For those unaware, Makhachev brutally head-kicked Volk into oblivion at UFC 294. For their second encounter, the former featherweight champ stepped in on short notice. Despite the outcome and the rivalry, there was a lot of respect between the two competitors.
Alex is undeniably one of the greatest champion in the FW division. Keep your head up and come back strong!
Congrats to new champ Topuria, well done биджо !
— Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) February 18, 2024
As such, Islam also extended a helping hand after UFC 298. Taking to Twitter/X, he wrote, “Alex is undeniably one of the greatest champion in the FW division. Keep your head up and come back strong!” Thus, it is evident that Makhachev still holds Alex in high regard and has hailed him as one of the best to ever do it. All things considered, many are keen to see how the proposed rematch unfolds later this year.