Ilia Topuria isn’t too high on idea of Alexander Volkanovski rematch following UFC 298: “It’s time to move on”
Ilia Topuria has responded to Alexander Volkanovski calling for an immediate rematch following UFC 298.
Topuria challenged Volkanovski for the UFC Featherweight Championship inside the Honda Center in Anaheim, California on Saturday night. After a solid opening round of action, Topuria landed a right hook that shut the lights off Volkanovski in the second stanza. This marks the beginning of “El Matador’s” reign with the UFC 145-pound gold.
Volkanovski is already pounding the table for a rematch with Topuria. The newly-minted featherweight champion isn’t so gung-ho about the idea.
Ilia Topuria On Alexander Volkanovski Wanting Rematch
Topuria spoke to members of the media during the UFC 298 post-fight press conference. Ilia said that while Volkanovski is someone he respects, he doesn’t feel the need to run things back with the former 145-pound titleholder (via MMAJunkie.com).
“He’s such a good person,” Topuria said. “To be honest, at this point, I’m like, OK, I’m going to give him the rematch because he’s a good person. But at the same time, it’s time to move on. It’s time to clean up the division a little bit. It’s time for the new generation to have new challengers, new faces, and I think I will be looking for that. But to honest, my job is to fight. Whoever they tell me I’m going to have to face and fight next, I will be there. That’s it.”
Topuria now sets his sights on a title defense in Spain. UFC CEO Dana White told media members that he’s eager to make the trip now that “El Matador” has emerged as a superstar champion. One would imagine that Ilia Topuria headlining an event in Spain would draw massive business. If it does indeed happen, it’ll be interesting to see who the newly-minted UFC featherweight champion will face.
Topics:
Alex Volkanovski Ilia Topuria UFC
