Set your calendars for February 17th, as the undefeated featherweight contender, Ilia Topuria (14-0), takes center stage in the headlining bout of UFC 298 against champion Alexander Volkanovski. Known as "El Matador", Topuria enters the ring with unrivaled confidence, expressing 'no doubt' that he's set to put Volkanovski's 'lights out.'
Currently ranked third in the weight class, Topuria boasts an impressive streak of six consecutive victories inside the octagon. His most recent triumph was a dominant decision win over Josh Emmett. Prior to that, he skilfully submitted Bryce Mitchell, further cementing his status as a formidable opponent.
"He's very good and he brings always a different strategy with every opponent which makes the difference. But he's going to face someone really, really smart and tough on Feb. 17th," Topuria told The Schmo.
Volkanovski, on the other hand, has faced some tough battles lately. He made a daring move by going up a weight class on just 11 days notice to rematch lightweight champion Islam Makhachev in his last outing. The two first squared off at UFC 284 in February 2023, where Makhachev secured victory over the featherweight titleholder by unanimous decision. In their rematch at UFC 294, Makhachev delivered a crushing blow, knocking out Volkanovski in the first round.
However, Topuria is confident that he can replicate such a result. "Of course I'm going to put his lights out," Topuria stated. "Without any doubt, I'm going to put him to sleep. He's always like, 'there are levels. Blah, blah, blah.' Of course there are levels. There is me, so I'm going to show him levels. I'm going to show him the new generation of mixed martial arts."
Topuria's confidence is unwavering, and his fighting words leave no room for doubt. "I'm going to dominate him everywhere. In the striking, in the wrestling, in the ground, every-f**king-where I'm going to beat him," Topuria boldly declared.
So, mark your calendars and tune in on February 17th to witness Topuria, the new generation of mixed martial arts, in action. Will he make good on his words and claim the featherweight title? Only time will tell.
