MMA icon Conor McGregor gives bold Alexander Volkanovski prediction for UFC 298 showdown
- Conor McGregor predicts a win for Alex Volkanovski at UFC 298
- UFC icon says Aussie will get hurt early but come back for KO win
- Volkanovski will face Ilia Topuria for the UFC featherweight title
UFC superstar Conor McGregor has predicted exactly how he sees Australian champion Alexander Volkanovski defeating Ilia Topuria at UFC 298.
The pair meet on Sunday (AEDT) in Anaheim, California, with Volkanovski chasing a sixth title defense on his return to the 145-pound division.
The Australian trails only Brazilian José Aldo (7) in all-time UFC featherweight title defenses – and McGregor is confident he can get the job done.
McGregor told X: “Great night of UFC fights tonight! (Ian) Garry will run through Geoff (Neal) on the first lap.
‘Volk will get hurt early, but will come back and KO Ilia. In 2 rounds. (Paulo) Costa and (Robert) Whittaker will have a good three-round exchange, as will Merab (Dvalishvili) and Henry (Cejudo).
Conor McGregor sees Alexander Volkanovski earn a knockout win against Ilia Topuria
Volkanovski is chasing a sixth title defense in his return to the 145-pound division
“Have a great evening everyone and remember: Proper Whiskey, Forged Irish Stout and McGregor rule, baby!”
UFC fighters age 35 and older — in the men’s divisions below middleweight — have a record of winning just two out of 33 fights, so the 35-year-old Volkanovski has a history against him.
The Australian arrived for the official weigh-in for UFC 298 dressed as an old man, to join the ranks of ‘experienced’ campaigners, in a manner that did not amuse Topuria in the least.
When asked about the gimmick, Volkanovski said, “Just having a little fun with it, you know what I mean? You have to do it. And also for the people! Everyone appreciated the outfit, so I wanted to do it personally.”
“I think this old man needs to teach this young guy a lesson, what do you think?”
Topuria says: ‘You see how you are dressed, you already know what is going to happen. You were ready for retirement, old man.”
Volkanovski stated: “He’s going to get a good beating, that’s what’s going to happen.”
Topuria replied, “He said he is going to humiliate me. Get up and do something. Humble Me!’
History contradicts the 35-year-old Volkanovski, but the Australian is quietly confident
The Aussie has vowed to teach his ‘cocky’ opponent an important lesson
The pair stood up – Volkanovski very slowly, in full old man mode.
“Saturday night I’m going to look mean and skinny, I’m going to come for my head,” Volkanovski said.
Topuria replied, “I’m going to humiliate you, I’m going to show you. I’m going to walk (sweep) the floor with you.”
Volkanovski replied, “I’m going to make this look easy.”
Topuria said, “I’m going to rip your head off.”
The war of words continued and Volkanovski even branded Topuria a ‘Conor McGregor wannabe’ as the Spaniard borrowed some of the famous Irishman’s moves, including keeping the belt away from the Australian.
The NSW native last fought in October when he moved up to lightweight and accepted a rematch with Islam Makhachev on 11 days’ notice, a fight he lost in the first round.
Spurred on by a full training camp and relishing his opponent playing the villain in the media, Volkanovski, 35, says the title fight is all about showcasing his experience and teaching the “young stubborn boy” a lesson.
“He has a big game to talk about, he doesn’t really have much to back it up,” the Australian champion told AAP.
“I just have to be that experienced fighter who goes out there and teaches the young, stubborn kid a lesson.”