Ilia Topuria Promises to Finish Alexander Volkanovski in First Round

Timothy James

July 10, 2023

What happens when an unstoppable force meets and immovable object? We’re about to find out – UFC featherweight edition.

Ilia Topuria is the number one contender in the featherweight division, and he’s biting at the bit to step into the Octagon against Alexander Volkanovski. The undefeated Spanish-Georgian bomber spoke with Inside Fighting’s Andrew Capucetti after UFC 290, brimming with confidence that he can get it done against Volkanovski – quickly.

Ilia Topuria wasn’t impressed by Alexander Volkanovski’s performance at UFC 290

“Nothing special,” Topuria responded when asked what he made of Volkanovski’s TKO finish of Yair Rodriguez at UFC 290. “I wasn’t impressed … the world can be impressed with him, but I’m not.”

Topuria has been on a surge, coming off a massive decision victory over Josh Emmett at UFC Jacksonville back in June, 2023. The undefeated featherweight is 6-0 in the UFC, including 3 knockouts and a submission. In other words, the man is dangerous everywhere.

Topuria already has a date in mind – and a prediction for how the fight plays out.

“I’m going to show this to everyone [when I fight Volkanovski] in December, hopefully,” Topuria explained. “I can finish him however I want … in the first round. If I want to submit him, I’m going to submit him. If I want to knock him out, I’m going to knock him out.”

Safe to say that Topuria is brimming with confidence, even as Volkanovski continues to build up his resume as one of, if not the, greatest featherweights of all time.

Topuria’s final message to Volkanovski?

“Prepare well my friend. Something special is coming for you,” Topuria stated. “You’ll be impressed, once you feel the real power.”