Off another dominant victory at UFC Fight Night Jacksonville over the past weekend, the undefeated featherweight contender Ilia Topuria promises business as usual in a potential title fight with future champ, Alexander Volkanovski – planning to win by knockout, or five close decision round.
Topping his debut under the UFC banner, Topuria improved to 14-0 as a pro against Arizona veteran Josh Emmett, defeating one-time interim title challenger with a one-sided unanimous decision (50-45, 50-42, 49-46) victory in “Sunshine Case”.
Indicating his intention to attend UFC 290 next month during International Fight Week, Topuria confirmed his plans to watch his “prey” – in the form of former champion, Volkanovski, and interim champion, Yair Rodríguez – with the pair headlining the event in a championship unification bout.
Ilya Topuria promises to beat Alexander Volkanovsky for the title stop
He calls for a tournament outing in his next country octagon The walk-on, German-born contender, Topuria has vowed to field the NSW native Volkanowski in a similar fashion to Emmett ahead of the expected title showdown.
“I brought it up tonight,” said Elia Topuria, “that no one can match my level of skill inside the cage.” bundled media After UFC Jacksonville. “I know I can finish everyone in this section. Josh (Emmett) was really tough tonight, but I beat him easily. It wouldn’t be any different with Alex (Aleksander Volkanovski). The result would be the same.”
“I will knock him out in the first and second round,” explained Elia Topuria. “If not, I will dominate him for five rounds, no problem.” (written by MMA News)
After being forced the distance for only the second time during the octagon, Topuria picked up a win for the first time over Youssef Zalal in 2020, before taking victories over Damon Jackson, Ryan Hall, Guy Herbert and Bryce Mitchell.