'Maybe I'll finish him this time,' says Ilia Topuria on possible rematch with Alexander Volkanovski

For Topuria, a second duel with Volkanovski would follow a similar script to the first

Ilia Topuria is the UFC featherweight champion. Photo: Instagram / UFC

Ilia Topuria is the UFC featherweight champion. Photo: Instagram / UFC

Amidst indecision about the next step Ilia Topuria, the Georgian/Spanish doesn't seem concerned about granting a rematch to Alexander Volkanovsky. As much as the former champion comes campaigning to return to the top of the division, the new king of the featherweight category (up to 65,7 kg.) does not believe that the Australian can bring greater challenges compared to the first meeting, won by knockout in the second round in early 2024.

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I. Topuria is the new UFC featherweight champion. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @ufcbrasil
Alexander Volkanovski is the UFC featherweight champion. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @alexvolkanovski / Jon Jones

In an interview with the Australian portal 'Main Event TV', Topuria stated that a new duel with Volkanovski would not bring difficulties, in addition to making a point of positioning himself as a representative of a new era of the sport.

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“If I want to stay in the division, I will. But I wouldn’t want to do that because I like Volk and I know what will happen if we fight again. I represent the new generation of MMA fighters. I bring a new type of game that he’s not used to. I know what will happen. Maybe next time I’ll finish him, just to create new clips,” said the fighter.

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In fact, undefeated and at just 28 years old, Ilia Topuria is almost a decade younger than Alexander Volkanovsky. The two will be in opposite corners this Saturday (8), at UFC 312. Alexander Topuria, the champion's brother, makes his debut at the event against Colby Thicknesse, the Australian's training partner.

Topuria is interested in gaining weight

Islam Makhachev defeats Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter/@UFC

Islam makhachev overcame Alexander Volkanovsky No. UFC 294. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter/@UFC

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On several occasions, the Georgian/Spanish fighter has expressed his desire to change categories and try for a second belt against Islam makhachev. Although the duel has not yet been officially scheduled, if confirmed, Topuria would follow the same path as Volkanovski, who faced the Russian on two occasions, being defeated on both occasions.

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