Former featherweight champion, Alexander Volkanovski suffered a shocking loss recently as the guard changed hands. Ilia Topuria has now advanced to an undefeated 15-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC, with his 2nd round KO of the Aussie. Speaking with Jon Anik, for ESPN MMA, the Spaniard commended the rivals’ kicks and ground control. Hence he came prepared and delivered on his promises of a knockout. Now, coach Eugene Bareman has provided a vital post-KO health update on Alexander Volkanovski.
Starting off, Ilia Topuria had favored a boxing-heavy stance, sprawling about the Octagon. But he connected a big right, finishing him off at the 3:32 mark of Round 2. A few MMA pundits/peers later noted Volkanovski leaning back to his power. Not unnatural, given Topuria’s massive face-wobbling punches went viral recently. In a recent interview with Combat TV, the City Kickboxing head coach read in on the KO, saying –
In terms of like his [concussion] symptoms, he doesn't have any symptoms...which is not the case in the last knockout. There is so many variables when it comes to like having a knockout...and how many symptoms you suffer and all of that… He seems to not be as affected by this concussion as he was by the last one. He definitely needs to rest. He needs to rest his head...He'll also be keen to get that rematch this year. Eugene Bareman via Combat TV
Bareman highlighted the lack of concerning symptoms in contrast to the Islam Makhachev fight. Makhachev defeated him en route to his 2-division glory, at UFC 284 and UFC 294. After UFC 294’s shin-kick to the head KO, even he had advised Volk to rest, giving a hard reality check. Bareman also emphasized the need for rest and recovery for “The Great”, but revealed the fighter’s desire for a rematch later this year.
This falls in line with Bareman’s predictions of setting up unrealistic bars of expectations, which he nudged speaking with the “SheLovesTheGloves” podcast. In the same segment, he also said that he didn’t watch Alexander Volkanovski vs. Islam Makhachev 2 because he was afraid of what could happen. However, Volk is willing to go the length for his gold.
Alexander Volkanovski hopes to rest up for a rematch with Ilia Topuria in Spain
Alexander Volkanovski lost his featherweight title to Ilia Topuria very recently. After 5 successful defenses, he lost out on the hardware in his 6th, succumbing to a second-round knockout at UFC 298, at Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif.
Now, with UFC CEO, Dana White teasing future cards at the Santiago Bernabeu, Real Madrid’s home ground. Topuria could be a highlighting factor. Consequently enough, the ever-so-ready Volkanovski is ready for a rematch at the locale. Speaking on his YouTube channel, he said –
Next time, it’ll be different, but I’m going to just have a little bit of a rest...I definitely want that rematch. Spain, what I’m hearing, is going to happen. Dana wants Spain, obviously, Ilia wants Spain. That probably won’t be until later in the year. Alexander Volkanoski via his YouTube channel
With wanting to replace Charles Oliveira for a short-notice bout at UFC 294; and pitching in to replace injured Jon Jones for UFC 295. And also being eager to headline UFC 300. This is the kind of readiness that has made him a fan-favorable combatant. However, this time he plans to rest well before the fight, spending time with his family – his wife and daughters.
Volkanovski said he was starting to get into his groove in Round 2 before Topuria wobbled him and knocked him out cold. A recurring occurrence with the fighter. In the lead-up to his title loss, he once mentioned that preparation was key to all outcomes, irrespective of odds. However, he means to strain on the prepping moreover now, coming in full swing as a well-rested title contender.
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