Things are heating up as Featherweight champion, Alexander Volkanovski, and Ilia Topuria prepare for their 145-pound showdown at UFC 298, which will take place inside Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif., next month (Sat., Feb. 17, 2024).
In a new video shared on his YouTube channel, Volkanovski revealed he was already weeks into a 12-week training camp, and he has former UFC fighter, Brad Riddell, in the gym to imitate Topuria’s striking style.
“I’ve got Brad Riddell over who’s obviously a great training partner in general, but stylistically, he’s a very good boxer himself,” Volkanovski explained. “I think he can simulate Ilia. I think, to be honest, he can give me a lot more problems than what Ilia will. And that’s not knocking Ilia, that’s just showing how good Brad is. Brad’s had hundreds of kickboxing matches and had a heap of boxing matches, so a strong powerful stocky dude as well.
“I’m taking this fight serious,” he continued. “I’m taking Ilia serious. He thinks he’s the man, let’s see if he is. I’m ready for the best version that turns up February 17th. Let’s see what we have in store. I’m going to be ready either way. I see he’s confident. He’s a confident cocky young dude. Let’s see if he’s gonna bring it, because I’m gonna. Can’t wait to show him levels.
“I’ve seen a lot in my game — I think I’m in my prime,” Volkanovski concluded. “[I’mGonna show this young man that there are levels and I am king of this division and he ain’t taking nothing from me. I’m coming for that 0.”
Unsurprisingly, Topuria wasn’t impressed with Volkanovski’s confidence.
If you think someone can imitate me, that means that your last fight has left you with lasting effects! I will knock you out in the first round. You're old, it's time to retire. It is time to move on and make way for the new era of Topuria.
— Ilia Topuria (@Topuriailia) January 6, 2024
“If you think someone can imitate me, that means that your last fight has left you with lasting effects!” Topuria wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “I will knock you out in the first round. You’re old, it’s time to retire. It is time to move on and make way for the new era of Topuria.”
Topuria is so confident in an upcoming win over Volkanovski that he’s prematurely improved his undefeated record (14-0) to 15-0 on his social media bios.
“What did he put on his Instagram?” Volkanovski said. “That he’s a champ, that he’s 15-0, whatever it is. I’m looking forward to seeing him change that to 14-1 and non-champion. Ah man, that’s gonna suck. That’s gonna be embarrassing for him.”
In addition to the pay-per-view (PPV) main event between Volkanovski vs. Topuria, UFC 298 will feature a Bantamweight contender’s bout between Merab Dvalishvili vs. Henry Cejudo, as well a Welterweight grudge match between Ian Garry vs. Geoff Neal.
Remember that MMAmania.com will deliver LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow coverage of the entire UFC 298 fight card right here, starting with the early ESPN+ “Prelims” matches online, which are scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. ET (simulcast on ESPN at 8 p.m. ET), before the pay-per-view (PPV) main card start time at 10 p.m. ET (also on ESPN+).
To check out the latest and greatest UFC 298: “Volkanovski vs. Topuria” news and notes be sure to hit up our comprehensive event archive right here.
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