Morning Report: Ilia Topuria says ‘it’s time to move on’ from MMA for ‘old’ Alexander Volkanovski

Ilia Topuria is able to make historical past at UFC 298.

Desires of headlining a UFC occasion in Spain have already been certainly one of Topuria’s most-desired targets as he’s climbed the featherweight ladder. Wrap a UFC title across the 26-year-old’s waist and certainly that dream will come true sooner quite than later.

The undefeated 14-0 Topuria has regarded nearly as good as any prime contender on Earth as 2024 will get off the bottom working. “El Matador’s” greatest combat but is available in his upcoming bout when he’ll problem for UFC gold towards the reigning champion Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298 in Los Angeles, Calif. subsequent month. It’s a matchup that has lit one other hearth underneath “The Nice” Australian titleholder and one he intends on shining in like his final title protection towards Yair Rodriguez in July 2023.

“I’ve acquired Brad Riddell over who’s clearly a fantastic coaching accomplice typically however stylistically he’s an excellent boxer himself,” Volkanovski stated of his coaching camp on his YouTube channel (h/t MMA Mania). “I believe he can simulate Ilia. I believe, to be trustworthy, he can provide me much more issues than what Ilia will. That’s not knocking Ilia, that’s simply displaying how good Brad is. Brad’s had a whole lot of kickboxing matches and had a heap of boxing matches, so a robust highly effective stocky dude as nicely.

“I’m taking this combat severe. I’m taking Ilia severe. He thinks he’s the person, let’s see if he’s. I’m prepared for the very best model that turns up February 17. Let’s see what now we have in retailer. I’m going to be prepared both manner. I see he’s assured. He’s a assured cocky younger dude. Let’s see if he’s gonna convey it as a result of I’m gonna. Can’t wait to point out him ranges.”

If anybody will be capable to clear up the thus-far unsolvable puzzle that’s Topuria, it’s the all-time nice Volkanovski. Nonetheless, verbal exchanges between the highest 145 pounders have escalated because the combat was made official and Topuria isn’t taking too kindly to his counterpart’s confidence.

Having proven off his spectacular ending talents each step of the best way to his first UFC title tilt, Topuria sees one other coming after Volkanovski’s current first-round knockout pitfall towards the light-weight champion Islam Makhachev in October.

“In case you assume somebody can imitate me, that signifies that your final combat has left you with lasting results!” Topuria tweeted in response. “I’ll knock you out within the first spherical. You’re outdated, it’s time to retire. It’s time to transfer on and make manner for the brand new period of Topuria.”

Volkanovski, 35, is beginning to get on the older facet of an MMA profession, particularly as a lighter division fighter and a champion, no much less. Regardless of that, he’s proven no indicators of slowing down as he’s nonetheless an ideal 16-0 as a featherweight (26-3 general). The Makhachev rematch in his final day trip additionally got here on roughly 10 days’ discover, which supplied for a debate on whether or not or not taking it was even a good suggestion.

By way of resume, Topuria continues to be constructing his legacy together with his most up-to-date unanimous resolution win over Josh Emmett as arguably his greatest and better of the 14 general. Volkanovski, alternatively, has defeated each UFC featherweight champion in promotional historical past except for — himself, after all — and Conor McGregor, in addition to defeated 4 out of all eight title challengers to by no means win gold.

“I’ve seen so much in my recreation, I believe I’m in my prime,” Volkanovski stated. “Gonna present this younger man that there are ranges and I’m king of this division and he ain’t taking nothing from me. I’m coming for that 0.”

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Controversy. Unsealed UFC docs present Dana White’s response to CM Punk wage backlash

Negotiations. Paige VanZant recounts turning down supply to re-sign with UFC, defying recommendation and becoming a member of OnlyFans

Daring. Belal Muhammad predicts he finishes Leon Edwards of their rematch: ‘It’s going to be the worst night time of his life’

Odds. Anthony Joshua opens as betting favourite over Francis Ngannou

Positivity. Laura Sanko on Strickland, Garry, Du Plessis drama: ‘How about all of us simply cease being such a*******’

Matchmaking. Josh Emmett loves the thought of dealing with Max Holloway subsequent: ‘That’s a positive shot to the title’

Prediction. Sean O’Malley: Conor McGregor received’t be nearly as good in return, however with proper mindset ‘he’ll present up’

Versatility. UFC’s Allan Nascimento explains how working as cornermen for Chute Boxe teammates helps personal preventing profession

On To the Subsequent One.

Within the sales space.

O’Malley’s rise.

Free fights.

RIZIN 45.

UFC 300 Camp.

Cejudo’s Street to Redemption.

The Misadventures of Usman and Gaethje.

Almighty Cooking Blighty.

Coaching.

No ragret.

Fasting or ravenous?

Return.

Steaming.

Double juice.

Relentless.

Oh, boy…

Get it, Maynard.

Working.

Josh Quinlan (6-1) vs. Danny Barlow (7-0); UFC 298, Feb. 17

Manuel Torres (14-2) vs. Chris Duncan (11-1); UFC Mexico, Feb. 24

Raul Rosas Jr. (8-1) vs. Ricky Turcios (12-3); UFC Mexico. Feb. 24

Joel Alvarez (20-3) vs. Ľudovít Klein (20-4-1); UFC Saudi Arabia, March 2

Dustin Poirier (29-8, 1 NC) vs. Benoit Saint Denis (13-1, 1 NC); UFC 299, March 9

Steven Nguyen (9-1) vs. Jarno Errens (13-5-1); UFC Vegas 88, March 23

Davey Grant (13-7) vs. Cody Gibson (19-9); UFC Vegas 88, March 23

Ricardo Ramos (16-5) vs. Julian Erosa (28-11); UFC Vegas 88, March 23

Chris Weidman (15-7) vs. Bruno Silva (23-10); UFC Atlantic Metropolis, March 30

Connor Matthews (7-1) vs. Dennis Buzukja (11-4); UFC Atlantic Metropolis, March 30

Lukasz Brzeski (8-4-1) vs. Valter Walker (11-0); UFC Vegas 89, April 6

Charles Oliveira (34-9, 1 NC) vs. Arman Tsarukyan (21-3); UFC 300, April 13

Oh, how the primary quarter of 2024 has heated up exponentially over night time. I can not look ahead to this upcoming stretch of occasions to get the ball rolling. Who would have thought the UFC would do the appropriate factor with matchups like these two at light-weight? Wild occasions, associates. Wild occasions.

Thanks for studying!

Final Week’s Outcomes:

Friday: 56% of 566 complete votes answered “No” when requested, “Do you agree with Henry Cejudo?”

Thursday: 83% of 407 complete votes answered “Sure” when requested, “Was Francis Ngannou the most important winner of 2023?”

Wednesday: 80% of 627 complete votes answered “Sure” when requested, “Will Khamzat Chimaev combat once more earlier than getting a title shot?”

Tuesday: 54% of 557 complete votes answered “No” when requested, “Can Paddy Pimblett beat anybody within the UFC’s light-weight prime 15?”

Monday: 44% of 326 complete votes answered “Sure” when requested, “Will 2024 be a greater yr for fight sports activities than 2023?”

Immediately’s exit ballot:

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