Becoming the world champion in a competitive MMA promotion like the UFC takes a lot. It requires skills, determination, hard work, etc, to go through other hungry fighters and win the UFC gold. On top of everything, self-belief and self-love is also important. However, featherweight champion Ilia Topuria seems to have taken self-love to a different level altogether.
Ilia Topuria‘s ascension to a champion was dominant, with several knockout victories. For all this, the Spaniard is extremely proud and shared his gratitude by thanking himself in a post. The fighter talked about his hardships and how he achieved everything he had done.
Today I want to express my gratitude to this person for providing me with everything I have, for supporting me to withstand any circumstance….Long live the Matador that lives inside me! I will always be proud and with a smile on my face, remembering all that I have accomplished.
Ilia Topuria via Instagram
Since his championship win, Ilia Topuria has become a global star and has been observed visiting various sporting events. The fighter was also present at the iconic Santiago Bernabeu to kick off a La Liga game. It seems like the fighter was really pleased with his achievements. However, this post didn’t sit well with fans criticizing the fighter for being self-obsessed.
Ilia Topuria won his UFC featherweight championship by beating Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298. Although Volkanovski was coming off a loss, the champ was still the fan favorite to win. However, Topuria shocked everyone by dropping the ’Great’ in the second round via TKO. Topuria’s next challenge will probably be Max Holloway, and Volkanovski has already given his predictions for the fight.
Alexander Volkanovski picks Max Holloway over Ilia Topuria in a potential fight
Max Holloway immediately called out Ilia Topuria for the title fight after the iconic UFC 300 performance. In the same event, Topuria went viral for his reaction to Holloway’s iconic knockout victory. Soon, both fighters went back and forth on social media, asking to take the fight inside the octagon. After a few exchanges, both Holloway and Topuria verbally agreed to fight each other.
Alexander Volkanovski gives his prediction for the Ilia Topiria vs. Max Holloway fight (via Imago/X)
Recently, Alexander Volkanovski was asked to give his opinions on a potential Holloway vs. Topuria fight. Volkanovski has fought both fighters in the past and has a very detailed analysis of the bout. According to the former champion, Topuria would test Holloway’s chin; however, the ‘Blessed’ would win.
Look I think Ilia’s a great fighter, but I would probably pick Max in that one. I think [Max’s] chin’s obviously held up many times…He will get hit so, Ilia will be testing that chin. But at the same time, I think Max Holloway, you know going in the later rounds it’s just gonna favor him.
Alexander Volkanovski via The Submisson Radio-Advertisement-
Alexander Volkanovski explains why he believes that Max Holloway would defeat Ilia Topuria:
“Look I think Ilia’s a great fighter, but I would probably pick Max in that one. I think [Max’s] chin’s obviously held up many times and I think his boxing’s gonna be good enough.
He… pic.twitter.com/WjOYcT5G8y
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) June 5, 2024
With both the featherweight and BMF titles on the line, fans are hyped to see the clash between Holloway and Topuria. According to Topuria, the fight will most probably take place in Spain. However, the UFC has yet to make an official announcement.
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