Volkanovski's coach admits that Topuria's strength was something the team feared before the fight

Ilia Topuria (left) fighting against Alexander Volkanovsky (dir.) in UFC 298. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter @UFCNews

On track for sixth featherweight title defense (up to 65,7kg.) Alexander Volkanovsky sequence was interrupted after succumbing to the great power of Ilia Topuria in the second round. In a sincere speech, Joe Lopez, the Australian's coach, stated that before the clash the team was already afraid of the strength of the punch that the Spanish-Georgian carries. Despite the setback, the coach was satisfied with his pupil's performance.

“Alex was following the game plan, finding his range and starting to touch it. I was disappointed (with the result), knowing that Alex has a much better skill set. We knew going into this fight that he (Topuria) had a chance to punch and he landed that punch,” Lopez said in an interview. Daily Mail Australia.

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Suffered by three consecutive defeats, a feat never recorded in his career, Volkanovski ruled out possible retirement and asked that he be given the chance for an immediate rematch against the tormentor. Despite her speech, Dana White stated that she still hasn't thought about the matter. At 35 years old, the fighter suffered his third setback by knockout and regretted losing the title in the UFC 298.

A. Volkanovski (left) in a duel against I. Topuria in UFC 298. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @ufcbrasil

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Moreover, Ilia Topuria He broke the bank by ending the Australian's unbeaten run in the featherweight division and conquered the category's throne. Willing to follow Ultimate's preferences, the new champion did not close the door on a rematch against Volkanovski, but stated that he preferred to face new prospects from the organization.