Volkanovski: ‘Don’t be surprised if I rag-doll Topuria at UFC 298’

UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski says that he is ready to silence his doubters in this weekend’s UFC 298 main event. 

Late on Saturday night in Anaheim, Volkanovksi — who has never been defeated at 145-pounds — takes on the unbeaten, 14-0 challenger Ilia Topuria. The Georgian-Spaniard is eight years the Australian’s junior; a factor noted en masse this past few weeks amid statistics that show fighters over the age of 35 don’t very often defeat younger challengers in the 170-pound and below weight classes.

But Volkanovski isn’t letting this rhetoric distract him. On the contrary, in fact.



“All these narratives, I love it,” Volkanovski told the media, including The Mac Life, in Anaheim on Wednesday. “Everyone knows I thrive in these moments. When people doubt me, it’s the best.”

Volk, as dominant a champion as has been seen in the UFC, comes into this bout on the back of an unusual run: two defeats in his last three. But those losses came a weight class above his own, at lightweight, against another top fighter in Islam Mahkachev.

But those losses, including October’s first-round KO defeat, won’t hamper him this weekend, he said.

“It doesn’t get to me,” Volkanovski explained. “If I didn’t go out there and do what happened in October, these conversations are much different — believe me. You can say all you want, ‘This is the guy.’ Post-fight press conference, it’s gonna be a totally different conversation.

“I’m ready for a young, hungry prospect to come and bring a fight but I won’t be surprised, and you shouldn’t be surprised, if I make it look easy. I’m not saying that’s exactly how it is. I’m not cocky like that. I’ve prepared properly, but if he doesn’t land a punch and I rag-doll him and make him look like nothing in there, you shouldn’t be surprised.”

>>> Read full article>>>
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source : TheMacLife – https://themaclife.com/sports/mma/volkanovski-dont-be-surprised-if-i-rag-doll-topuria-at-ufc-298/