Alexander Volkanovski goes off on “delusional” Ilia Topuria – “Can you believe that guy?”

Alexander Volkanovski is hyped for an opportunity to face fast-rising featherweight contender Ilia Topuria. The UFC’s reigning featherweight champion is undefeated in the 145-pound weight class and is widely considered to be among the greatest featherweights to ever step into the octagon. 

‘The Great’ recently faced Yair Rodriguez in a title unification bout at UFC 290. Volkanovski successfully defended his status as the undisputed champion by securing an incredible third-round TKO over the Mexican. This marked his fifth consecutive title defense. 

In the aftermath, Ilia Topuria spoke to MMA journalist Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour and downplayed the Australian’s performance. He stated: 

“I don’t have any doubts that I can beat him pretty easy. The people think that this is the toughest fight. He says that I’m the easiest fight he’s going to have in his whole career… We’ll see.”

Alexander Volkanovski found the Georgian-Spanish fighter’s comments amusing. When Helwani interviewed the Australian later, he labeled Topuria as “delusional” and stated:

“What is that man on about? Can you believe that guy? Can I say one thing, and I’m talking to Ilia… Please don’t fight Max [Holloway]. Let me be the guy to beat you up…There’s confidence, and then there’s delusional…. Like, ‘I’d beat him in the first round.’ Like, do you watch me fight?”

Michael Bisping on Alexander Volkanovski vs. Islam Makhachev 2

Michael Bisping recently weighed in on a potential rematch between Alexander Volkanovski and lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. ‘The Count’ claimed that the two champions shouldn’t be fighting each other anytime soon to allow other contenders to get their shot. 

In February, Volkanovski and Makhachev went head-to-head in a lightweight title match at UFC 284. The champion vs. champion super fight was an immensely entertaining fight, with Volkanovski testing Makhachev unlike anybody else. While the Dagestani grappling phenom ultimately won a razor-sharp decision, many opined that the Australian deserved to get his hand raised. 

While combat sports fans have long been calling for a rematch between the two, Michael Bisping recently dismissed the idea. In an interview with BT Sport, the Englishman stated:

“He tried last time out. He has a division to defend, so does Islam Makhachev. There’s a lot of contenders certainly at lightweight and there’s a clear number-one contender, Ilia Topuria. That is the guy that he should fight next.” 

Interestingly, Alexander Volkanovski called for another shot at the 155-pound title during his post-fight octagon interview at UFC 290. However, only time will tell if ‘The Great’ will defend his featherweight title against Ilia Topuria next or chase his dream of becoming a simultaneous two-division champion.