Morning Report: Coach says Ilia Topuria had ‘puncher’s chance’ vs. Alexander Volkanovski ‘and he got that punch’

There was a altering of the guard at featherweight. If Alexander Volkanovski has it his approach, it’s going to solely be non permanent.

UFC 298 bought larger and larger by the day of its combat week in Anaheim, Calif. The undefeated first-time title challenger Ilia Topuria’s rising confidence solely boosted till strain seemingly was getting the higher of him on the energetic pre-fight press convention this previous Thursday.

In the long run, Topuria made good on his predictions and knocked out the reigning featherweight champion in spherical two with a wonderfully positioned proper hand towards the cage. The loss was Volkanovski’s second in a row by way of strikes and his first at 145 kilos in his 30-fight profession (16 at featherweight, 26-4 general). Nonetheless, it was a greater efficiency than his earlier loss towards light-weight champion Islam Makhachev at UFC 294 in October.

Per all three judges on the evening of UFC 298, Volkanovksi gained spherical one and the Aussie’s coach Joe Lopez preferred the best way issues had been taking part in out general.

“Alex was going by the gameplan, was discovering his vary and beginning to contact him up,” Lopez instructed Daily Mail. “I used to be disenchanted [by the result], figuring out that Alex has a a lot better ability set … We knew coming into this combat he (Topuria) had a puncher’s probability — and he bought that punch.”

Volkanovski, 35, was undeniably probably the greatest featherweight champions in MMA historical past along with his five-defense stretch of dominance. Arguably the best of all time within the division to some, an instantaneous rematch wouldn’t be unjustifiable towards the brand new title holder.

Finally, the 27-year-old Topuria isn’t towards the thought however want to “move on” and preserve issues contemporary atop the division. In defeat, Volkanovski was nothing however sleek and had no excuses to be made.

Don’t count on that potential rematch to look the identical although, says “The Nice.”

“We knew he could be quick,” Volkanovski stated in his post-fight scrum after UFC 298. “We knew he could be highly effective, clearly. We knew to not be on the cage there and let him catch us there, so once more, he did an ideal job there, so there’s not a lot I can say aside from congrats to him.

“Clearly, I’ve been a champ for a very long time and I would like that rematch, in order that’s one thing that should occur. I’ve been reigning champ for the way lengthy? I’ve been a little bit of an organization man. Went again up on quick discover, I fought Max [Holloway] thrice, you title it, I’ve accomplished it individually for a very long time so I feel I deserve that and it’s going to be totally different subsequent time.”

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BROADENED HORIZIN.

Sound & Pound.

Free combat.

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Accidents.

Gone in 28 seconds.

Classes.

Rebooted.

Cashing in.

Won’t be human.

However who else?!

Full.

Let or not it’s recognized.

New belt.

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Thanks for studying!

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