Former featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski and soon-to-be former champ Ilia Topuria go a long way back. Not only did they fight each other, but also were on opposite teams while cornering their teammates. Ilia is not the only Topuria in the UFC because he has a brother, Aleksandre, who fights in the promotion’s bantamweight division. At UFC 312, the man known as ‘El Conquistador’ made his promotional debut with his younger brother in his corner, while his opponent Colby Thicknesse who was also making his debut was cornered by Alexander Volkanovski.
The 6-1-0 Spanish Georgian fighter beat the Aussie bantamweight known as ‘Slickness’ via unanimous decision. And unfortunately for the Aussie, the loss was significant because it followed his teammate losing to Topuria at UFC 298. But why are we telling you this? Well, it’s because the Aussie former champion recently praised his teammate’s opponent, even though they are supposed to be on rival teams.
While talking to Shakiel Mahjouri, Volkanovski gave props to Topuria’s older brother, “Yeah, I mean you can still see a lot of potential, you can see like he must be strong. For him, even when he was grabbing hold of Colby. He wasn’t trying to do damage. He just wanted to play smart and win the rounds when he had a hold, especially in that last one, which was—it was fine. That’s the right strategy you are going to have. But him even being able to do that at Colby, because I know Colby well, he’s got some strength.”
April 7, 2022, Jacksonville, Florida, JACKSONVILLE, FL, United States: JACKSONVILLE, FL – April 7: Alexander Volkanovski meets with the press and the fans for the press conference, PK, Pressekonferenz at Times Union Center for UFC 273 – Volkanovski vs The Korean – Presser on April 7, 2022 in Jacksonville, Florida, United States. Jacksonville, Florida United States – ZUMAp175 20220407_zsa_p175_040 Copyright: xLouisxGrassexz
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Volkanovski further stated that Aleksandre has immense power and a good fight arsenal since he won the fight on short-notice. He stated, “You know Colby is a beast so him to be able to go out there get his hands raised against Colby shows that he’s gonna do well.”
It’s refreshing to see a fighter not hold grudges against his opponent and team. In fact, during UFC 312, the Aussie showed his good nature as well. Whilst the Spanish-Georgian siblings eventually walked away with a unanimous decision win, the former divisional foes held no bitterness towards each other. Topuria and Volkanovski embraced backstage and Aussie even invited the former to his cooking show.
Topuria’s brother extended this respect to Volk and said in the post-fight presser, “I always show respect to Alexander Volkanovski, it doesn’t matter if they fight or not. I know this guy works hard, he’s a great father, a great man, a great countryman, and he represents very good—what can I say, he made my brother bigger, and he made me bigger. Nothing but respect.” In fact, Volkanovski’s regard does not just extend to Topuria and his brother but also to his recent rival Diego Lopes who he is going to fight at UFC 314.
Alexander Volkanovski shows no disrespect to Lopes
Volk was on his way to becoming the greatest featherweight champion in promotional history. Just imagine if he didn’t take the Islam Makhachev fight, and instead continued to defend at 145 lbs. Of course, Ilia Topuria was on the horizon, but Volkanovski could have likely gotten in one more successful title defense before Topuria got to him. And who knows, maybe Volkanovski would have moved up to lightweight unscathed. But all that is in the past now, and ‘The Great’ has the opportunity to write history again.
Taking on Diego Lopes at UFC 314 for the undisputed vacant title, Volkanovski holds no ill-will towards his opponent. The former 5-time defending UFC featherweight champ acknowledged Lopes as a good fighter and praised him. He said on his YouTube channel, “He’s a great dude. I’ve got a lot of respect for him—very nice fella.” However, that did not mean Volk forgot his end goal—to crush his opponent and win the title again.
He further added in his video, “I’m sure he’s expecting to go out there and win the belt, but I’m sorry, mate. That ain’t happening. Good on you for being in this position. (I’m) Happy you’re getting the opportunity to fight for the belt, but I’m still here. You ain’t having it. Sorry, mate.” The former rugby player is already looking shredded ahead of the fight, and the 36-year-old uploaded his training session on Instagram, which has baffled the fans.
Despite two back-to-back losses, Alexander ‘The Great’ Volkanovski seems pumped to return to his victory days and wants to prove the doubters wrong. Do you think he will win the title again? Or will his legendary career come to an end with this fight?
The post “He Must Be Strong” – Alexander Volkanovski Puts Beef Aside in Honest Confession on Ilia Topuria’s Brother Aleksandre Topuria appeared first on EssentiallySports.
