Alexander Volkanovski blasts ‘delusional’ rival Ilia Topuria ahead of champion’s title defence at UFC 298: ‘He thinks he is the king already’
- Alexander Volkanovsky destroyed Ilia Topuria
- The Aussie is not happy with his rival’s attitude
- Volkanovski says he will teach him a lesson
Alexander Volkanovski is eager to teach ‘delusional’ rival Ilia Topuria a lesson as he looks to get back on track at UFC 298.
Volkanovski, 34, is reeling from his failed bid to become doubles champion in Abu Dhabi three weeks ago, where he was knocked out in the first round by lightweight king Islam Makhachev.
Volkanovski is eager to return to the Octagon and is scheduled to take on featherweight challenger Topuria in February next year, with the 26-year-old riding a six-fight winning run that has set tongues wagging in MMA circles.
However, Volkanovski is convinced that the European has not yet earned his chance at the top prize.
“He is good and powerful, but he tries to act as if he is already the champion,” Volkanovski said. News Corp.
Alexander Volkanovski has destroyed his ‘delusional’ rival Ilia Topuria
Featherweight title challenger Topuria is confident he can beat the Australian
‘He thinks he’s already the king. Mate, you haven’t even swum with the sharks yet. Once you start swimming with the sharks, you can get to the Megalodon.
“He should be confident, but he’s starting to get a little delusional.
“Look at the sharks I swam with before I took on Max Holloway.”
Volkanovski defeated interim title challenger Chad Mendes and former champion Jose Aldo before facing Holloway, and is eager to prove Topuria doesn’t belong on the same stage as him.
“He is still young and I get to teach him a lesson and give him a simple cake,” he added. ‘Maybe he’ll turn around then. Maybe he doesn’t have the right people around him to humiliate him.
‘I feel like I’m doing the world a favour. I feel like I’m doing my very best to humble him.”
Topuria gives each of his defeated opponents a rose after fighting them, and has already made a video on social media of him leaving a flower waiting for Volkanovski.
But Volkanovski has vowed to humiliate his challenger when they meet in February next year
“Good job on him, he’s playing a role or something, and I’d like that if he’s just playing the game, but he really believes he’s the best fighter the UFC has ever seen,” he said.
“You want to trust, but does he prepare accordingly?
“Or is he just doing what he already does to prepare for everyone else? You better show me something else. If not, I’m going to fucking embarrass you in front of the world.”