Alexander Volkanovski is a true gentleman! While the fans have sided with the Australian fighter for stepping in too early after the KO loss against Islam Makhachev a little over four months ago, the former UFC Featherweight Champion believes he had a great camp, felt great inside the cage but just got caught at the wrong moment.
ILIA TOPURIA KNOCKED ALEXANDER VOLKANOVSKI OUT COLD pic.twitter.com/zvGldhWxCy
— Stream Highlights Clips (@selfemprovement) February 18, 2024
Everything looked well for Volkanovski heading into the second round. After a tactical first round that saw the featherweight champion use his leg kicks more than we have ever seen him during the fights, he also made great use of his jab to prevent Topuria from closing the distance.
However, it took just a single punch during the wild exchange in the second round to shut the lights off Alexander Volkanovski. Check out this fan angle of the finish.
😕Volkanovski was unconscious there for too long man. pic.twitter.com/uPzbCy2qj6
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) February 18, 2024
The footage also gives a look at what went down immediately after the referee stopped the fight. The video shows Volkanovski still unconscious on the ground as Topuria celebrates his title win.
Ilia Topuria hints Alexander Volkanovski should retire after UFC 298
The newly crowned featherweight champion did not hold back after his victory, offering a piece of advice to the consensus featherweight great.
“He is such a good person, you know. To be honest, at this point, I am like, okay, I am gonna give him the rematch because he is a good person, but at the same time, it’s time to move on. It’s time to clean up a little bit of the division. It’s time for the new generation to have the new challenges, new faces.” Topuria said during the post-fight press conference.
Earlier, Volkanovski had expressed his interest in a rematch against Topuria. The Australian fighter suggested Spain as the perfect location for the fight and is already planning to meet Ilia Topuria inside the Octagon again. What are your thoughts on the rematch?