Volkanovski Predicts Trouble for Topuria in Holloway Bout
Volkanovski’s Take on Topuria’s Choices Alexander Volkanovski, former featherweight champion, has expressed his concerns about the reigning champion Ilia Topuria’s reluctance to fight top contenders, including “BMF” champion Max Holloway.
Since his spectacular knockout victory over Volkanovski at UFC 298, Topuria, also known as “El Matador,” has been vocal about his disregard for his peers in the division. He has dismissed all top-ranked fighters and claims he will become the highest-paid athlete in the world within a few years.
Topuria vs. Holloway: The Match Fans Crave Following Max Holloway’s sensational fight against Justin Gaethje at UFC 300, the potential bout between Topuria and Holloway seems like a logical next step for the UFC. However, Topuria himself appears less interested in this matchup, something Volkanovski finds puzzling.
In an interview with Fox Sports Australia, Volkanovski expressed his disappointment, noting, “Right now, he’s saying ‘no’ to everyone. He’s saying ‘no’ to Max Holloway, to Brian Ortega, to me, and so on. Not wanting to go to Australia, okay, but he’s saying ‘no’ to everyone. He says, ‘I don’t want to fight any challengers… I want to fight Conor McGregor.'”
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Criticism and Concerns Volkanovski, trying not to be too harsh on Topuria, still criticized the new champion’s approach since gaining the title. “It simply leaves a bitter taste in people’s mouths because when you hold the belt, you have a duty (to defend the title),” Volkanovski remarked.
He added that Topuria’s reluctance could be detrimental if the fight against Holloway materializes. “All credit to the guy, he beat me. No excuses. He capitalized on what I did. But now he’s challenging Conor McGregor? … I also think Max could go out there and make the fight look easy. I believe Max would win that fight. Topuria is very dangerous, an incredible fighter. But I don’t think he’s as good as he thinks he is… Topuria still has a lot to prove.”
Quotes Section
“Right now, he’s saying ‘no’ to everyone. He’s saying ‘no’ to Max Holloway, to Brian Ortega, to me, and so on. Not wanting to go to Australia, okay, but he’s saying ‘no’ to everyone. He says, ‘I don’t want to fight any challengers… I want to fight Conor McGregor.'”
“It simply leaves a bitter taste in people’s mouths because when you hold the belt, you have a duty (to defend the title).”
“All credit to the guy, he beat me. No excuses. He capitalized on what I did. But now he’s challenging Conor McGregor? … I also think Max could go out there and make the fight look easy. I believe Max would win that fight. Topuria is very dangerous, an incredible fighter. But I don’t think he’s as good as he thinks he is… Topuria still has a lot to prove.”
