This weekend, reigning featherweight champion, Alexander Volkanovski (26-3), defends his belt against the No. 3 ranked Ilia Topuria (14-0).
Topuria, “El Matador,” will enter the cage undefeated after putting together an impressive win streak. Despite a high-level ground game, Topuria has opted to do much of the “talking” with his striking in his past few fights. After turning in one of only four 50-42 performances in UFC history against one of the hardest hitters in the division, Topuria will feel like a world-beater on Saturday night.
But will it be enough to put an end to Alexander the Great’s reign? Others have tried to dethrone the Featherweight king in the past, but all have failed. Nonetheless, questions linger after Volk’s recent consecutive losses to Islam Makhachev. Despite the setback, Volk seems to be in great spirits. His satirical bit with Sportsbet.com.au certainly put a smile on my face:
Volk’s technical striking, precise footwork, and tactical fighting IQ have proven too much for other Featherweight contenders of varying styles. Regardless of what his opponents throw at him, Volk always seems to adapt and overcome – illustrated most vividly, perhaps, by his fights against Featherweight legend, Max Holloway. His heart is never in question, either. A Brian Ortega mounted guillotine proved that.
This fight is too close to call. What do you think? Will Volkanovski reclaim his dominance, or will the young “whippersnapper,” Topuria, etch his name in championship history?
