Ilia Topuria makes it clear to Alexander Volkanovski that ex-champ will be rejected because of post-UFC 308 plans

At UFC 308 media day, Ilia Topuria was spotted shaking hands with Alexander Volkanovski. Needless to say, the duo seemed pretty respectable to each other during their brief interaction. But the Spaniard doesn’t want to compete with “The Great” like the former featherweight world champion wanted.

During the pre-fight press conference, a reporter asked the featherweight champion about his interaction with a former opponent. And all Topuria gave Volkanovski was respect. He said“I always respect people. Always. Before the fight and after the fight it was nothing personal. I just fought for my dreams.”

The same scenario applied to “El Matador” vs. Max Holloway. While he owes everything he has achieved in the world of mixed martial arts to the BMF Champion, he wouldn’t shy away from giving it his all to defeat “Blessed.” He also admitted that he was a fan of Holloway. But now it was his time to shine. He continued“So he was a great role model for me, but now it’s my turn to be that role model for the new generation.”

The reporter informed the Georgian-born fighter about this Alexander Volkanovski‘s post-UFC 308 plan. In the perfect world that “The Great One” was talking about, he predicted that Topuria would win and fight him in Australia at UFC 312. However, believing that Topuria would not agree to a fight in Australia, he began to fight for it Max Holloway. But the featherweight king has another option for Volkanovski.

Ilia Topuria said“Look, if that makes me happy, thinking about maybe going to Australia, that’s fine.” But that will never happen to me. I am the champion and if you want to fight for the title again, it will be in Madrid and not in Australia in front of your people. Why should I give you this advantage?”

Topuria beamed more confidently than ever before during the press conference. But Volkanovski knew about the Spaniard’s ghosts long beforehand. Let’s see what the Australian has to say about his former opponent’s personality and confidence.

Alexander Volkanovski attributes his masterful personality to Ilia Topuria

The former featherweight champion recently sat down for an interview with Kevin Iole, and having previously fought Holloway and Topuria, he was naturally asked to provide some insight on the UFC 308 main event. Volkanovski said Topuria’s personality had a huge impact on his fights. He said“Like he has that personality, maybe because he likes to play on it, because even before our fight he had that ‘champion’ thing going on, okay.” He would get confident, but he also likes to show it. And you saw that even after his fight, after our fight, he was pretty happy and even said, ‘Look what I just did.’ You know, big moment for him.”

“El Matador” himself revealed that his self-confidence comes entirely from hard work. Nobody was born invincible. And the Octagon has seen many so-called invincible fighters fall short in defeat. With this knowledge, Topuria prepares himself optimally, which ensures him self-confidence and victories in fights in the cage.

But Holloway is not someone to be taken lightly. Given the performance he showed in his last fight Justin Gaethje“El Matador” has to be pretty careful with him. And this is another strength that boosts Topuria’s confidence. He actually tends to take his opponents seriously and trains accordingly.

What do you think about Topuria’s refusal to fight the former featherweight king in his own home? Let us know what you think in the comments below.