Ilia Topuria is increasingly becoming the star that many expect, as demonstrated by his knockout against Max Holloway last Saturday (26) at UFC 308,
Ilia Topuria is increasingly becoming the star that many expect, as demonstrated by his knockout over Max Holloway last Saturday (26th) at UFC 308, in Abu Dhabi. And what will be the Georgian’s next step in his defense of the Ultimate Featherweight belt?
For Dana White, plans include taking on an old acquaintance. In the post-event press conference, the big boss said that he hopes for Topuria’s rematch against Alexander Volkanovski, the very person whom the current holder of the 66 kg belt managed to beat in February.
The justification for nominating the Australian for the Georgian’s next fight is the fact that Volkanovski helped Ultimate “save” the events of the past. Such favors with the organization have weighed on White’s vision of a rematch with the former champion, possibly in 2025.
– Volkanovski is one of those guys we can never say no to. For us he was “the man”. Whenever we need him, just like what happened with (Israel) Adesanya and now with (Alex) Poatan, when we’re not getting something and we need someone, Volkanovski has been that person. I don’t imagine there are people here who think this idea (of the rematch) is “crazy” or “bullshit.” Who wouldn’t want to see this meeting again? – said Dana White.
There is no precise date when the UFC will want to organize this fight, but depending on Topuria, there would be a very special stage in their sights: the Santiago Bernabeu, in Madrid. The fighter lives and trains in Spain and has said that he wants to defend his belt in one of the most iconic stadiums in the world, which would perhaps be the largest crowd in the history of Ultimate, given that the home of Real Madrid has a capacity of up to 80,000 fans.
The Georgian, however, has already ruled out fighting in Australia, Volkanovski’s homeland, and should remain faithful to the idea of ​​fighting in his adopted country. In the coming months Ultimate should define what the fate of such a clash will be.
Source: Terra
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