Ilia Topuria predicts first-round KO of Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298: 'I'm going to put his lights out'

Ilia Topuria has a daring prediction for his first UFC championship struggle.

The undefeated featherweight contender sees himself not solely dethroning champion Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298, but additionally ending him – and within the first spherical. Volkanovski has but to lose at 145 kilos in his 10-year profession as an expert MMA fighter. But Topuria (14-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC) is for certain he’ll get the job carried out towards Volkanovski (26-3 MMA, 13-2 UFC) come Feb. 17.

“I see myself ending him within the first spherical – knockout,” Topuria informed UFC Español. “It’s almost certainly going to be a knockout until he dives for my legs. I’m going to place his lights out.”

Topuria thinks the time on the prime has expired for Volkanovski, who’s now 35. He sees himself as an improve to Volkanovski.

“I’m a part of the brand new technology of MMA,” Topuria mentioned. “I carry an developed fashion in all areas of the game: on the ft, within the wrestling, within the grappling. I contemplate myself a much more full and efficient finisher than Volkanovski.

“The expertise is on his aspect, however the younger blood is on my aspect. That is my second. God’s timing is ideal, and He’s ready me for this second. There received’t be any failure.”

Topuria is rather less than two weeks from the championship struggle. He says the vast majority of the work is finished and is pleased with the preparation he’s had forward of the most important struggle in his profession.

“I’m not going to say it’s been the hardest camp as a result of each camp we do is at all times arduous, however I’ll say it’s been essentially the most skilled camp I’ve ever carried out,” Topuria mentioned. “We’ve carried out a deep evaluation on my opponent, and we’re ready for the struggle.”