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Updated 16/02/2024 at 10:13 GMT
Ilia Topuria snatched the featherweight belt from holder Alexander Volkanovski at an explosive press conference ahead of UFC 298 in Anaheim on Saturday. The Australian, 35, dressed as an old man, warned his 27-year-old opponent that he would teach him “a lesson”. Volkanovski is preparing for his sixth title defence, while Topuria is hoping to make it a perfect seven wins in UFC.
Alexander Volkanovski of Australia is seen on stage during the UFC 298 press conference at Honda Center on February 15.
Image credit: Getty Images
Alexander Volkanovski has promised to teach Ilia Topuria “a lesson” after the Georgian-Spaniard stole the featherweight belt from ‘Old Man Volk’ at an explosive press conference ahead of UFC 298 on Saturday.
Playing up on his experienced tag, Volkanovski, 35, dressed up as an old man with a cap and glasses, and joked: “I’m just having a bit of fun with it. You’ve got to do it. I’m going to teach this young fella a lesson.”
However, he didn’t see the funny side when Topuria snatched his belt.
“Like I said, you may as well take advantage of it now,” Volkanovski said.
“You’re never going to see it again, not until I teach you a lesson. Maybe one day you can be a great champion. I’m going to kick your a*** first. You’ll learn your lesson.
“Maybe you can bounce back after that. But until then, get your hands off my belt.”
Topuria snapped back: “You came dressed, you already know what’s going to happen – you’ve just came ready for your retirement.”
Volkanovski, who also pretended to be asleep during the press conference, is preparing to make his sixth defence of his title against 27-year-old Topuria in Anaheim, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
The Australian is hoping to bounce back having suffered a knockout defeat against Islam Makhachev in October in a lightweight title fight.
The defeat came via a head kick in the first round.
Topuria, 27, is aiming to stretch his unbeaten run to 15 fights, having finished four of his six bouts in the UFC.
How to watch UFC 298: Volkanovski v Topuria
Live coverage from Honda Centre in Anaheim, United States, begins at 01:00 UK time on Sunday, February 18 on TNT Sports 1 and discovery+.
UFC 298 is part of a stacked few months of mixed martial arts action on TNT Sports. For full details,
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TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, MotoGP, Cricket, UFC, Boxing and WWE. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination. You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.
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