Ilia Topuria: Alexander Volkanovski Will Have UFC Belt ‘One More Month’ | The MMA Hour

Ilia Topuria discusses his upcoming title fight at UFC 298 against Alexander Volkanovski, the videos he is putting out, his first staredown with Volkanovski, Volkanovski’s last knockout loss, Sean O’Malley’s recent comments, Paddy Pimblett, who he wants next, a recent meeting with Hunter Campbell, a future UFC event in Spain, and more.
Join this channel to get access to perks:
/ @mmafightingonsbn
Subscribe to MMA Fighting on KZbin: goo.gl/dYpsgH
Subscribe to The MMA Hour on iTunes: Apple.co/themmahour
Subscribe to The MMA Hour on Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/0NUQhyU...
Subscribe to MMA Fighting feed on iTunes: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Check out our full video catalog: goo.gl/u8VvLi
Visit our playlists: goo.gl/eFhsvM
Like MMAF on Facebook: goo.gl/uhdg7Z
Follow on Twitter: goo.gl/nOATUI
Read More: www.mmafighting.com
MMA Fighting is your home for exclusive interviews, live shows, and more for one of the world's fastest-growing sports. Get latest news and more here: www.mmafighting.com

[@maverickat4544]

Man after listening to Topuria, even my self-confidence has skyrocketed. I'm kicking tomorrow's ass😆

[@xxxjules27]

Hell yeah

[@VROOOOOOOOOOMMMMMM]

Same. Just ran 7 miles

[@DrDoom931]

Bro just got me hyped, I'm kicking TODAYS ASS

[@ninjavibez4696]

Yesssssssss 💪🏽 lol

[@misteromiseria5756]

Haha!

[@Amzyy]

People are saying Ilia is too cocky but you need this confidence when you're about to face the FW GOAT Volkanovski. Just look at McGregor vs Aldo...

[@alcottdevalte7440]

Yeah, but Conor's resume turned out to be legendary. Illia's biggest win is still Emmett and Bryce. Currently zero great wins.

[@alcottdevalte7440]

@@zaccaeus8426 I don't understand the comparison at all other than both Aldo and Alex being champions for long and P4P number 1 ranked. Conor had fought several contenders and even for an interim belt before fighting Aldo unlike Illia who neither has fought for an interim belt and only has beaten 2 ranked contenders in entire top 15, which is Emmett and Bryce. If Illia already had beaten Max, Ortega, Yair and Allen, I could have understood the comparison.

[@Markuzsosa]

@@alcottdevalte7440WHAT Herbert is still fighting and winning idk what ur on about

[@Markuzsosa]

@@alcottdevalte7440who’s Marcus brimmage who’s the others guys Conor fight you need heavy bags to be great that’s just how it is

[@alcottdevalte7440]

@@Markuzsosa Herbert has never even been ranked. Max, Dustin, and Mendez are much bigger names and much better fighters than Emmett, Bryce and Herbert who are all journeymen and not champion level fighters.

[@NatePunjani]

As a father it always make me smile when I see a parents face light up talking about their kid. The way Ilia talks about his son is amazing

[@syphonunfiltered]

Thank you

[@TakeNoPrisoners]

This guy is so genuine, every answer he gives, no bs, straight what he’s thinking

[@IsenathiDyantyi]

🙏🏿🇬🇪🇪🇸

[@td4906]

I like his confidence when it comes to the actual fight with Volk but he lost me when he said he wouldn't fight any of the top 3 contenders if he wins the belt lol

[@eyesight8716]

This guy is arrogant and disrespects his opponents..not a fan of him.

[@jeffn2723]

Yeah except the very first question where he wanted to lie but realized it would sound like a lie so he didnt.

[@danielfox2378]

He’s genuinely getting smacked and humbled this weekend.

[@rapperogsmooth2783]

That confidence is unwavering

[@juntjoonunya9216]

He's made me a believer. Don't know if I will bet any money but I think he does it

[@panchitoperez5639]

​@@juntjoonunya9216Believing in something means you are convinced without a doubt, and the hesitance to put money on it means you're not truly convinced. The man has been extremely disrespectful towards the champ saying it would be the easiest fight of his career. He's not trying to convince you or me or anyone else but himself, and the man needs humbling and I can't wait for Volk to hand him, better yet spoon-feed him a piece of humble pie.

[@Chille10]

​​@@panchitoperez5639lol you really think illia is TRYING to convince himself that he can beat volk😂😂...that doesn't sound or seem like someone who's not 100% sure he can get the job done win or lose so I don't know what you're on about

[@heckalydalii200]

​​@@panchitoperez5639 you gotta watch illia fight. I don't think he being disrespectful but just stating what he believes. I feel like he coudlve said it more disrespectful but he dint, he simply says he's better then volk and will KO him. Not really disrespectful

[@Rico.Steppin]

imagine somehow this mf finishes volk @@juntjoonunya9216

[@sebastianconstantin5176]

all his confidence just looks different with the clean hair and beard, crisp clothes, you can see he is from Europe.

[@ninomuseliani6310]

You go Ilia, he’s not cocky, he’s just calm, major Aquarius energy

[@ozguraydn8407]

Man this guy just adds more and more pressure I love it it's been a long time since we saw this level of confidence in a title contender

[@claudemaggard7162]

He isnt proven top five.

[@G.I_Jane]

@@claudemaggard7162 lmao no top 5 want that smoke

[@tmthy47]

@@claudemaggard7162 you saying that like someone else deserves to fight Volk more

[@td4906]

​@@tmthy47 I do think this is the fight that makes the most sense but the only reason he's getting a title shot is because Volk already beat everyone else. He didn't actually earn it like most title contenders have to.

[@anamzakir3184]

@@td4906doesnt take away his skillset and ability to win

[@TheSFShogun]

12:15 Suddenly I like Topuria. "What weight?" "Who cares."

[@gustavomartinez-iu8ml]

Wants all the smoke

[@mikemorris9902]

That red panty night line was lame af

[@angusbennett2256]

Is that all it takes? heard that from dozens of fighters

[@seanmcneil2903]

Love that man’s confidence wow

[@corny9320]

I think that’s not confidence. It’s delusion

[@hazler1681]

@@corny9320 Until now he has proven everything he has said and at 27 years old he is undefeated fighting for the belt, confidence is achieved with hard work, it has nothing to do with a delusion.

[@s66s46]

​@@hazler1681his resume isnt close to volk, bryce mitchel and josh emmet, lmao

[@mumzyangelo]

​@@s66s46 so he can only be confident when he has a legendary resume😂

[@rml4289]

​@@s66s46 volk didnt have much of a resume when he got his first title fight

[@andrewdonnelly4724]

this guy is literally hilarious lmao I’m a huge fan now

[@pokemonovice9758]

He's the male Julianna Pena. I'm sure you're a huge fan of his. Julianna has a lot of simps

[@TakeNoPrisoners]

@@pokemonovice9758no bro he’s just genuine, confidence and cockiness are two different traits, he’s very respectful towards Volk and any answer he gives is so genuine

[@AppreciateLife.]

@@TakeNoPrisonersyeah its over for the Volk era

[@kavinraj4689]

​@pokemonovice9758 Ilia has quality. Pena got schooled by Nunes but talks a lot

[@pokemonovice9758]

Male version of Julianna, but also a good fighter, I forget to say that lol... Julianna shouldn't even be ranked, and her striking is the worst in the division... Despite his lack of footwork, kicking game, distance control, energy management, cardio, and setups, Ilia has 1 of the most wellrounded skillsets in the division, considering his dangerousity in the striking, wrestling, and ground game@@kavinraj4689

[@Sir1626]

Ilia's English is amazing. Props to him for improving so much. He could easily be a superstar if he beats Volk. I cannot wait for this fight!!

[@StarScreamX]

Ilia the type of guy to use words like 'inevitable' but ask the translator for 'grass' lmao

[@palm3ra]

Inevitable in spanish is the same word: “inevitable” just different pronunciation

[@prohimtam7924]

we all watch Avengers End Game.

[@MMABeijing]

And grass means fat in spanish

[@palm3ra]

@@MMABeijing No brother, Im from Spain and grass doesnt mean fat, you re very wrong

[@MMABeijing]

​@@palm3ra you are smart enough to try and understand what I am saying. Grasa, graso, sound like grass but mean something like fat/grease/greasy. So clearly it is not easy for people from spain, france or italy to actually know how to say the word "grass"/herba.

[@kylem2712]

He is cocky as hell, but i actually love it. I'll be rooting for Volk, but the future is bright

[@jasiahperez9547]

Bro is full of shiii! He hasn’t fought anybody legit to be this cocky.

[@davidreiser9663]

@@jasiahperez9547I hate being that guy, but that is exactly how Conor was. He fought no one, then he slept Aldo. Sean O’Malley had a similar thing going on. He is just being confident while promoting his brand.

[@weez5987]

Same

[@KeinProblem-uv5jh]

@@davidreiser9663completely wrong Conor beat max dustin and mendes before he beat aldo

[@davidreiser9663]

@@KeinProblem-uv5jhyou probably couldn’t name any of their fights before conor without google.

[@-Ice_Cold-]

Unlike O'Malley, he has really charisma and this cocky persona (not necessarily delusional) and has big potential to become a big UFC star

[@user-nv2wt4hi8t]

Exactly. He has that ice cool calm most of the time and that's also why when he does unleash you know it's real.

[@juamachin]

dude is full on delusional: "Connor would be pleased to fight me in Spain" is crazy, but saying he is champion without having won, its beyond delusional.

[@WARRIOR-uf8ov]

​@@juamachin​@juamachin you need to be delusional in this sport,you have to belive that your the guy if you wanna be at the top,prime conor was just as if not more delusional than ilia is and look what he ended up accomplishing

[@weedismyreligion]

@@WARRIOR-uf8ovbro that exactly what he is doing wrong … trying to be Conor 😂 Conor was a genius on the mic , ilia is not that bright 😂this guy is fkn delusional. Can’t wait for Alex to put him in his place

[@seanism2011]

@@juamachinhe knows what he’s doing. You just comment on his videos.

[@n33cho]

I’ve just watched this twice and Ilia’s confidence has rubbed off on me so much that I’ve just ripped a door of its hinges and looked at a cat in the street and it exploded.

[@nme_mma]

😂

[@nme_mma]

Poor cat

[@mwolf9868]

😂🤣

[@chrisellingsen9677]

This guy's confidence is the real deal. Conor had this when he came in and became champchamp. Tyson Fury was like this, unflappable confidence. As a former professional sports gambler I've learned to recognize true unshakable confidence. Usually it's just a bunch of mouthy nonsense to hype themselves up. But when it's real I know to bet on it....especially when the toughness and skillset equals it.

[@AbdonisMMA]

I did a check on his congruency, and it is crazy how years before he entered the ufc he had that level of self confidence... I think he is going to shock the world on 17th, anything could happen, but at least that is what i think

[@johnnysprocketz]

Your going to lose the farm if you bet on this charlatan.

[@adrianalbacete11]

When he was 16 years old he already said that he would be a UFC champion to his rivals hahaha I'm from Spain and I've seen it, he always went with a Rolex and pretending, it really is a machine

[@haga7596]

Chrisellingsen is gonna go broke on the 17th after he bets his whole 25$

[@jeffreysmith9837]

Rooting for volk but this dude's got huge star potential and skills. His confidence is so surprising sometimes that it's hilarious. May the best man win

[@IsenathiDyantyi]

50/50 Fight

[@jeffreysmith9837]

@@IsenathiDyantyi i think Volk wins pretty easily but all this confidence from Ilia does have me questioning lol

[@juamachin]

@@jeffreysmith9837Dude, how is his delusion being considered confidence?

[@jeffreysmith9837]

@@juamachin Delusion or confidence, the only difference is the outcome. You can tell when someone says things they don't believe in. None of that detected here.

[@juamachin]

@@jeffreysmith9837 Precisely the match hasnt had an outcome yet and he is saying he is the champion, thats delusion.

[@ThatDangKid1]

Big volk fan but respect to this man. Still a young guy 26/27. Huge respect to him

[@south6bt]

Yeah, this guy is gonna be huge regardless how the Volk fight turns out.

[@KizMMA]

Ariel: "So you're happy with the deal they cut for you?" Ilia: "Very happy" Ariel: *Crying internally because he can't run a UFC fighter pay hit piece*

[@RationalLlama]

Want Volk to win so bad but Topuria is a real tough test.

[@Last_Chance.]

Facts

[@KingFury6293]

Topuria will win, volk coming back too early

[@Mickey-cf7qx]

They always say that

[@phunchu8202]

Not tested enough

[@GyemTshering-jm4su]

Tough test 😂 he never been tested against the top guys 😂

[@golden_smaug]

His initial 'doing well, what about you mate?' had me dying 😂

[@dave9547]

Why?

[@golden_smaug]

Sounded like a child

[@prolinque8042]

"Take out The red panties" was so accurate Topuria is funny 😂😂😂

[@lukebaker3633]

This comment is inaccurate

[@multiverseofmalice7795]

Ilia a better talker in his 2nd language than Sean 😂

[@PretoreStudio]

@@multiverseofmalice7795 third language

[@lowlowseesee]

I seen his partner. He’s already getting plenty of those nights lol

[@adrianalbacete11]

@@PretoreStudio fourth language, also speaks German

[@gbug02]

I think volk is honestly the best proven fighter in the UFC currently, but that being said, I think Topuria can get it done

[@gbug02]

i agree 🗿

[@Last_Chance.]

Same

[@JohnJohn-yp7ex]

Makachev

[@gbug02]

@@JohnJohn-yp7ex yes islam very proven. only defending his title against one 155er and the same 145er twice. he is not even close to volkanovski’s resume

[@gabrielmarx_]

Volk is 35 and Topuria 27… If Volk was 3 years younger it would be a different result, timing and age are crucial

[@matthewzammit6225]

He knew it

[@mustafakhan940]

As an Aussie, I have to look at this fight analytically. Volk really did overachieve if you look at his career. He started MMA training in his 20s and defended his title an astonishing 5 times plus 2 attempts at double champ status. He ended the Holloway era just like Max did to the Aldo era (ignoring Conor’s lack of a reign). Volk is now 35 and is coming off a massive knockout loss just 4 months ago. Ilia on the other hand is an absolute all rounder who is young, hungry and has been training since he was a child. I haven’t seen a fighter with this kind of bravado and confidence going into a title fight fight since Conor against Jose. I think this fight will be a complete washout. I’m gonna say a second or third round finish for Topuria, but here’s hoping I’m wrong.

[@RodriComT]

Agree.

[@jabroni4200]

Analytically he has fought bums volk is going to school him lol

[@vn5774]

What makes you think that a stocky power puncher with decent BJJ skills will be the one to dethrone Volk? It's not like he's going to out-wrestle or out-grapple him, and we know from the trilogy with Max that you need more than just crisp hands to give him trouble on the feet. Volk's kicks, feints, footwork, superior fight IQ, strength, endless gas tank, and god-tier submission defense will likely prove too much for him. #AndStill

[@jabroni4200]

@@vn5774 only guy with a brain I’ve seen on any comment section so far

[@AppreciateLife.]

@@jabroni4200nah its time for the new generation lil bro.

[@Noisycowonline]

A pick 'em against a DOMINANT champ is unheard of.

[@MercHunter]

Bet Volk

[@pokemonovice9758]

Volk was KO'd 3 months ago, literally, dumdum

[@jessem98711]

And?

[@GyemTshering-jm4su]

​@@pokemonovice9758it doesn't matter he ll humble that guy mark my words u guys just count out the fw goat for that ko 😂

[@no6odys8fe90]

@@jessem98711and……. its gonna happen again feb 17th

[@docrivers854]

If ilia becomes champ and continues winning I can see him becoming the face of the current ufc

[@bruka1601]

If a fighter bets the goat of division and continues winning you can see him becoming a face of ufc, you need to tell Dana about this

[@docrivers854]

@@bruka1601 I just called Dana he agrees

[@jeffn2723]

Nice, then they will just need to buy him some charisma and personality and he'll be good to go 😂😂😂😂

[@miked6367]

Your crystal ball is broken mate.

[@nycmaverick]

I do like how he dresses classy and with style

[@GgCashh451]

Bro I love this comment section. MMA fans gets so uptight when a fighter thinks they’ll run through somebody. This is how sports fans should be.

[@lowlowseesee]

They don’t even know how to throw a punch lol

[@Leg3ndKilla687]

Already has himself listed as champion in his bio 😂. Dude is such a great heel character

[@IsenathiDyantyi]

🤣😭

[@jeffn2723]

That's gonna be embarassing to have to take down. Potentially. You can't tell me you'll be flabbergasted if he goes out there and gets outclassed.

[@jacobjames247]

@@jeffn2723guess it all worked out lmao

[@digitalspacegeo]

ყველა კითხვას გამოზომილად და თავდაჯერებით პასუხობს. ილია თფურია არის ახალი თაობის სუპერვარსკვლავი! დაიმახსოვრეთ ეს სიტყვები! #ANDNEW He answers all questions measuredly and confidently. Ilia TOPURIA is a new generation superstar! Remember these words! #ANDNEW

[@feim185]

If this fight goes even 3 rounds, we're gonna have one of the best fights of all time.

[@Fitkid7672]

yeah ilia won't quit. I want to see ow he makes adjustments.

[@onceupongeorgia]

This interview will stay in history, how visualization has the power

[@spartacus1414]

It will be in history one way or another lol

[@spanoboy123]

damn straight "when trash talk goes bad" in a couple months

[@zacklee341]

​@@spanoboy123fights this month

[@Blueicyyy]

Just like Conor, visualized the life as champ before it happened

[@Blueicyyy]

@@spanoboy123I think you misunderstood the comment

[@berniemac4422]

Super confident, but not over Confident, very Dangerous….

[@jeffn2723]

It's too hard to say now whether its overconfident or not. That's a hindsight thing.

[@CALIBARG]

Many do not know Topuria's story but he comes from nothing and dedicated his life to this moment. He is very disciplined. In another interview he said that if he had to lose he would be calm because he did everything possible, all the sacrifices in terms of preparation. And keep in mind that he never gets involved with topics like family or religion of his opponents. Let's go Ilia! Vamos matador!

[@PretoreStudio]

Yes! I'm actually working on a documentary about him, and he doesn't talk about it that much, but he came from nothing and lost a lot in the war, and he even worked in 4 jobs to help his family while he was training. A crazy story that everyone will want to know after February 17th.

[@Nameplease12blacknobility]

lol that’s like many of ufc fighters not just him

[@PretoreStudio]

@@Nameplease12blacknobility So what is your point? It's still an amazing story. What's the point to compare?

[@felixarcia7117]

Ilia topuria's era has already begun, 50% want to watch him win 50% wannt to watch him lose, anyways 100% will watch him

[@iedutul1]

😂😂😂 Alex will destroy bro

[@llacekidd]

@@iedutul1your still watching it

[@TanMan_MakeItNasty]

UFC Spain in a bull fighting arena would be crazy

[@ignacioruizsanchez9589]

Yeah😂. "Las Ventas in Madrid" it has 24.000 sits. But he wants in Bernabeu that at least are 60.000. We have and smaller site for this kind of stuff, in wizink center where Real Madrid basketball team plays. This is the more probably place to use for a mma fight. Greetings from Spain.

[@kavinraj4689]

Notice how Ariel is trying to instigate something between Ilia and Volk😂

[@jackinthebox532]

Look I get it I like volk as much as everyone , but you can’t deny Illias skills and the big chance he has at winning

[@goldie7420]

If makachev couldn’t harm volk on the ground that means topuria can’t ( topuria cant submit volk or dominate him on the ground) topurias only chance is on the feet , I just believe it could be competitive early but as the rounds go on it favours volkanovski and I see volk catching him in the later rounds with his step in left or right hook which will then lead to ground and pound , volk gets it done by tko rd 4-5

[@gandhimahatma3304]

This. Ilia will catch him within 3. This dudes a monster.

[@vn5774]

​@@goldie7420💯 49-46 Volk

[@guillermozapata5175]

​@@goldie7420We still don't know the true level of iLia in the ground, it is important to mention that, maybe it is even better than ortega

[@goldie7420]

@@guillermozapata5175 better then makachev I don’t think so

[@rawbeejay]

I admire Ilia's skills and confidence but saying he won't fight Max, Yair, and Ortega is ridiculous.

[@jeffufcfanaticrosenberg]

Max would smoke him imo

[@Todo_fighting]

​@@jeffufcfanaticrosenberghow ?

[@Todo_fighting]

​@@jeffufcfanaticrosenbergilia has more power and is the better grappler by far.

[@hectorvergara3394]

And wants to fight Conor instead, who’s coming of back to back losses and a broken shin lol I like Ilia but I didn’t like when he said that, didn’t make sense 😂

[@nitronitro1274]

He should have fight Yair way before Volk! I think Yair would have been a great test and to see really where he is at.

[@ahsasgill9393]

Gilbert burns and Vicente Luque both picked Topuria to win after doing trainning with him, i wonder what did they notice that makes them pick Topuria to Win so confident

[@MarkTulloch]

They noticed they are journeymen

[@M3lon09]

​@@MarkTullochBurns Definetely Isnt a Journeyman,That title goes to Gastelum

[@monsieurdirte1714]

Volk would whoop both of those scrubs lmao!

[@monsieurdirte1714]

@@M3lon09 He's not a journeyman (yet) but he won't sniff the title again.

[@ahsasgill9393]

@@monsieurdirte1714 you gotta be joking

[@scumbag6175]

loved how he lit up talking about his kid. I like this guy, that was geniune

[@thru_and_thru]

This guy has the Peter Sagan charm. If he wins the championship I can see him being super popular.

[@alcottdevalte7440]

The confidence of an undefeated fighter is really something else. Unless it's Khabib and Jon, never really taken it seriously other than ridicilious entertainment. Anyway, both Alex and Illia have been knocked down in fights and shown a lot of vulnerability, so it's a 50/50 for me but still think Alex got this.

[@jack11643]

A lot of vulnerability LOL. OK mate Guarantee you don't fight.

[@alcottdevalte7440]

@@jack11643 What?!? Illia has been knocked down several times by a head kick in his career, cut up and never looked completely invincible. Alex has been knocked down 5+ times, almost choked out at timesand has had close fights and close rounds. Do the math...

[@jasonbeaudry489]

I think this guy is going to get humbled by Alex.

[@deshaunimations7471]

@@alcottdevalte7440I can see Alex countering Illia with a right hook n dropping him. Topuria loves the overhand, uppercut, overhand combo. Or a hook instead of an upper cut. Either way tho he loves his overhands. Emmett countered him with a right hook during that combo he ALWAYS does. I think Volk is smarter at countering so I think he can but I want illia to win.

[@fvgc454ss]

Whatever tf that means

[@thecaribbeanhashira]

Great Interview, excited for this fight🤜💥🤛

[@Esper320]

"Baby break out the red panties, Ilia Topuria is keeping us rich" 😂😂 that was really good, nice play on that.

[@walkwithlenin3798]

Im a big fan of Volk. But this guy Illia speaks so politely. I wish this young gentleman all the best in UFC career. I wish to see illa face Islam makhachev in future.

[@stephenr80]

Ilia has a kind of confidence that is kind of intriguing. Not yelling like Connor he just looks relaxed. I think this helps him in fights. Is funny to see him talking so relaxed about the most important fight of his career. He should be a coach.😂

[@CharlieSquall]

Orgullo de 🇪🇦 y Georgia, vamos 💪 lets gooo bring that ufc belt to Spain

[@juntjoonunya9216]

Damn... Some of these guys seem to really "have it" and he's got it. Whether he wins or not. I won't be surprised

[@ayvzu]

Wow.. I legit cannot wait for this fight!🔥

[@likedislike5315]

I felt my excitement for ufc events lately was getting low, I needed Topuria’s confidence to get me excited again

[@solarpanel9085]

It’s been awhile since the UFC has seen this level of humility in a fighter.

[@ad1987sm]

He’s really confident I like that and he’s undefeated respect

[@_cohen]

Ilia being the greatest as always. Cant wait for him to take the thrown and begin his reign

[@johnathongarcia564]

Throne*** eesh 🥴🥴🥴

[@nme_mma]

This man oozes charisma! The confidence is next level. When he speaks about his little biy its beautiful. I want him to get the W. Ill be rooting for him 🤝

[@AB0TH0N]

This guy will be a star... He improved his english, his fighting style... Hope he can get it done ☺️🤙

[@jesusiskingofkings4428]

The emoji u used is fruity

[@kaneda6118]

Yeah he is really smart

[@marcosibiza]

Ariel talking about Real Madrid and all the players he mentioned play for Barcelona FC ....even Sergio Ramos is not playing for Real Madrid anymore...😅😅

[@alberts6840]

yeh it's lame to see him try so hard and so wrong

[@J_Ghotier]

Internet receipts show this is my favorite fighter since the Zalal fight. He’s susceptible to head kicks in his career and his stance, but Alex doesn’t have that dexterity. The striking and power and ground game go to Ilia. If ilia doesn’t beat him now, he will as he matures in his career w/o question. Dude is a supreme talent!

[@tuffneggah]

win or lose, man has a fine bird waiting for the pipe

[@alexcollis6939]

😂😂

[@jaydenjones7404]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@juntjoonunya9216]

Where, let me see

[@mikegardner2343]

you're right about that!

[@Hccxddfyujm]

That’s gonna be volk’s girl soon

[@jesserex9914]

exited for this matchup great work ariel enjoyed the show illia styles makes fights

[@TheWhatupfoe]

Let’s go Topuria! Time to back up the talk, rooting for him. Volk is the man but it’s time for a new chapter. May the best man win!

[@garcia3766]

Vamooos Ilia! Arráncale la cabeza y tráela a españa!!! Llevamos años esperando esto amigo, estamos todos detrás tuya.

[@mrnas387]

Vamos cabron

[@TheAllthegoodstuff]

Damn. Didnt take long to start liking this dude. Confidence is convincing. This is a huge fight for Alex too. This could be a banga!

[@zoueast7104]

Iconic guy! 👑👌🌹

[@duenodeactivisionblizzard5478]

Vamos illia! Estamos contigo!

[@jacobvega2133]

This dudes a classic bad guy haha. I love it!

[@JorgeSanchez-ex5nx]

VAMOOS TOPURIAA UNA NACIÓN ENTERA CONTIGOO!!

[@rollymbodo9714]

I like the confidence... This gonna be a good fight

[@jackxta441]

Looking forward to this fight!!

[@a.b.1432]

Ilia will be champ, no disrespect to Volk. Making Kavkaz people everywhere proud. Vamos

[@nikajaliashvili1346]

i love his confidence

[@thelastsamurai5583]

Don’t sleep on this guy we all know he’s got his hands full with Alex💪

[@mmacourt]

Huge Topuria fan but this was a weird interview.... he openly said he doesn't want to give a shot to all the top contenders at 145 lbs that he has not beaten or even fought.... how does that make any sense? Who is gunna defend the belt against? Then he says after this he wants to fight conor? Wtf is going on here.... then of course i gotta address the ridiculous question from ariel - "did you think about trying out free agency"..... hes on the verge of fighting for the belt with a ton of momentum on his side why the fudge would he consider free agency? I know ariel hates the UFC and will do anything to make fighters go else where but that was a very dumb question

[@draco2xx]

he actually meant they won't be champion while he's the champ

[@Thijszz]

Yeah crazy. About to have two fcked divisions if Ilia pulls it off. BW and FW.

[@phobosex7504]

@@draco2xxno he said he wont fight them

[@draco2xx]

@phobosex7504 his english isnt that great but that's what he meant cause it doesnt even make sense if he doesnt fight the other top featherweights

[@giordano7199]

he'll fight against the one who fought Allen, moslaev I think lmao

[@kaitowotsa7090]

Ilia is a good fighter imma fan of him But Volk is another Beast and I believe he will b Champ for some few Years

[@toby7755]

This was a damn good interview, may the best man win

[@j.s3591]

Ariel trying to put words on Topuria mouth, when he said you were disappointed that Islam KO because you wanted to be the one to KO him but Topuria didn't care he got KO!

[@user-wj5zv5fk2o]

My man you are underestimating Ariel's research, Ilia said in a Spanish interview that he wanted to be the first giving a KO to Volk, cause he really wanted all that glory...🔥

[@maans9936]

Ilia's confidence needs to be studied, i feel like changing my whole bum life 😂

[@jrv7054]

Hahaha

[@ryanmccarthy8652]

Very well matched fight. Even the heights are the same. I feel like Volk is just a bit too quick for Ilia tho.

[@jack11643]

LOL what? Quick how? Hands? Feet? Head movement? Might have better feet- maybe- Ilia Is miles faster, i haven't seen anyone in the ufc move his head like illia does.

[@antonioperez4796]

This is not a very well matched fight you’re drunk lmao. Volk is 35, ilia is what 28. 29. Volk is coming off of a terrible ko loss that happened just a couple months ago and ilia is undefeated. Ilia will win. Bet money on ilia if you want to get unlimited free money that day.

[@deezn2856]

Ilia is def faster

[@ryanmccarthy8652]

Boys are we forgetting that Volk beat Holloway 3 times at his own game . And max is one of the best boxers. Don’t get too crazy about ilia. I like him but best fighter he beat is Emmet. Come on guys.

[@ImagoofybaII]

​@@ryanmccarthy8652 They just have recency bias

[@luislizcano2781]

His English has improved A LOT my guy getting ready to be on the spotlight

[@danielacostanues]

That was a phenomenal video

[@Mike-dh5oj]

“There’s levels then there’s it’s me” LMAO love this dudee can’t wait for the fight 😂🔥

[@cityliving9265]

I don't know if in other cases I'd be cool with someone making a full blown movie. But the complete self-belief and balls on him and the unwavering belief is admirable in his case. It's pure self-confidence

[@msizinkosi3481]

I truelly believe this guy has a chance against Volk, counting him out completely is just foolish. This boy is very well-rounded and he is a finisher, he is a tough fight for anyone in the division

[@Madjid.V]

I like his confidence, it kinda reminded of listening to a Spanish Seto Kaiba from yugioh, good luck to him I do have a feeling he is going to win

[@davereloader8837]

Ilia has really grown on me. He's had some great performances. I appreciate his championship level confidence, lol. Hard to pull against Volk though. Gonna be an interesting fight!

[@rafacereceres1316]

Ill be the fan to say. Topuria is for sure dangerous. But we cant count volk out just because he lost to islam. Most fans are counting him out for that reason alone. Rency bias is a real thing

[@kapow1324]

Not real MMA students..its the casuals counting out Volk and on this next McNuggets band wagon.

[@user-lg6xw6cz8n]

Illa is one inspiring guy.

[@TotalMovers]

Lmao Ariel is such a BIG instigator🤣

[@abdullahiabdi4225]

He says he first thought of being UFC champion at 15, which means before he even started training as a pro he become that confident that he would be where he is now. I think ilia is the new "hungry" conor

[@PauloFlamengo81]

Topuria is a Monster

[@doctorfly589]

You have to respect Ilia for being super confident but not disrespectful to volkanovski. He has something mythical in my opinion and I’m super excited for this fight. He also improved his English a lot. Btw I’m a fan of Volk and I’m hoping for a good fight

[@stephenr80]

Im spanish n rooting for Ilia but I have so much love n respect for Volko. I expect a 5r war n hopefully a win for Ilia. It d refreshing for the div.🎉

[@jaimecosta7075]

Notice how Ariel throws all those shots on a call behind a camera, behind a desk, behind a laptop monitor 🤣🤣

[@ericsaldana44]

What people want ilia to say: volk will make easy work of me and make me look like I didn’t belong If you’re about to face the FW goat you need this type of confidence in yourself. Ilia all day💯

[@AbdonisMMA]

Yes. And some one who did that was Yair rodriguez, he had way too much respect for volk that when he entered that cage he was scared

[@Minnymooooo]

I got down at +164 lets go!!!

[@theironforce3000]

The level of confidence here is unmeasurable

[@wozzybeatz]

Champions come and Go Son!! Love the confidence but i just dont think Volkanovski TIME in FW is over just yet!

[@mce32]

I hope he has a backup name for his movie.

[@jeandonyramsurrun7005]

😂😂😂

[@TuMalaCon100cia]

hehe

[@lorenacarrera246]

Love the way he dismissed paddy. No. 😂

[@IsenathiDyantyi]

🤣......