As Alexander Volkanovski and Ilia Topuria get ready for their featherweight title match at UFC 298 on February 17th, things are getting hotter.
Volkanovski disclosed on his YouTube channel that he was only a few weeks into a 12-week training camp and that Brad Riddell, a former UFC fighter, was helping him in the gym to replicate Topuria’s striking technique.
Volk remarked, “I have Brad Riddell over, who’s obviously a great training partner in general but he’s a very good boxer himself.” He seems to be able to mimic Ilia. To be honest, I believe he has a lot more potential to cause me difficulties than Ilia. And that’s not a jab at Ilia; rather, it’s a testament to Brad’s talent. Brad is a strong, stocky guy who has competed in several boxing and kickboxing contests. He has also fought in hundreds of kickboxing matches.
He went on, “I’m taking this fight seriously.” “I give Ilia my full attention. He believes he is the man; let’s find out. When the best version appears on February 17th, I’m ready for it. See what we have planned, then. I will be prepared in any case. He seems self-assured. He is a young, arrogant, self-assured man. Since I will be bringing it, let’s see if he will as well. Eager to demonstrate levels to him.
“I believe I’m at the top of my game; I’ve seen a lot.” I’m going to prove to this young man that there are hierarchy and that I rule this particular division, so he can’t take anything from me. I’m heading for that zero.
Ilia Topuria found Volkanovski’s remarks to be unimpressive.
“If you believe that someone can copy me, then your last battle has left a lasting impression on you!” Topuria published on X, the former Twitter. “In the opening round, I’ll finish you out. You ought to retire because you’re old. It’s time to let go and welcome Topuria’s new chapter.
If you think someone can imitate me, that means that your last fight has left you with lasting effects! I will knock you out in the first round. You're old, it's time to retire. It is time to move on and make way for the new era of Topuria.
— Ilia Topuria (@Topuriailia) January 6, 2024
Topuria has prematurely updated his 14-0 record to 15-0 on social media because he is so sure that he would defeat Volkanovski.
“What has he posted on Instagram?” Volkanovski stated. “That he’s undefeated, that he’s 15 percent,” I’m excited to watch him move that to 14-1 and out of the championship. Oh my, that will be awful. He will find that embarrassing.
On February 17, UFC 298 will take place at the Honda Centre in Anaheim, California. In addition, there will be a welterweight grudge contest between Ian Garry and Geoff Neal and a bantamweight contender match between Merab Dvalishvili and Henry Cejudo.
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