UFC
Analysis: Rematch or new blood – What’s next for new champ Ilia Topuria?
Ilia Topuria. Photo via UFC (Twitter)
When Ilia Topuria defeated long-time featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski at this past weekend’s UFC 298 he ended a dynasty in the division.
The new featherweight champion is one of the most well-rounded and dangerous fighters the weight class has ever seen, and could really have what it takes to hold the 145 lbs strap for a very long time.
Before Saturday UFC 298, however, Topuria claimed that he didn’t want to defend the belt against the division’s top contenders.
“Max (Holloway), Yair (Rodriguez), Brian Ortega, all of them, they can go and retire.”
Let’s take a closer look at the new champion’s possible next opponents!
Alexander Volkanovski
Alex Volkanovski. Photo: Stephen R. Sylvanie – USA TODAY Sports
The champ is not too keen on giving Volkanovski an immediate rematch, but it’s a highly likely option as the UFC nowadays seem to have a policy to let dominant champs get an immediate rematch.
”It’s time for the new generation to have new challengers, new faces, and I think I will be looking for that,” Topuria said post-fight.
Max Holloway
Max Holloway. Photo via Instagram: (@blessedmma)
Former featherweight champion Max Holloway is one of the most interesting and sellable fights the promotion can make. As Holloway defended his strap three times before losing it to Volkanovski, a shot at the title would make a lot of sense.
Stylewise, the lanky striker would be an interesting matchup for the powerful champion.
However, ”Blessed’s” next fight will be at lightweight against Justin Gaethje on UFC 300.
Brian Ortega
Photo: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Former two-time featherweight title challenger Brian Ortega could very well fight for the strap next if he defeats Yair Rodriguez on Saturday, especially if he does so in spectacular fashion.
With just one week between Topuria’s title win and Ortega’s upcoming fight, the timing couldn’t be better for the former challenger.
Stylewise, it would be interesting to see how Ortega’s grappling and solid chin would hold up against Topuria.
Yair Rodriguez
Photo via Instagram (@panteraufc)
If former interim champion Yair Rodriguez will get his hand raised in the upcoming fight against Brian Ortega, he could very well be next to challenge for the gold, even though he faced Volkanovski in a title fight this past July.
The creative Mexican striker could present a lot of threats if the fight would be standing.
Movsar Evloev
Movsar Evloev. Photo via Instagram (@movsar_evloev_94)
Top five ranked Movsar Evloev is another fighter that could face Topuria next.
Just like the champion, Evloev is undefeated and holds an impressive 18-0 record. An ”undefeated fighter vs. undefeated fighter” title bout is a very sellable fight, even though none of the contesters are household names.
Stylewise, the Russian is perhaps the most well-rounded of the fighters presented on this list, with the exception of former champ Alexander Volkanovski, and could very well be his toughest test.
Conor McGregor
Conor McGregor. Photo via Instagram: (@thenotoriousmma)
Topuria called out the former featherweight champion Conor McGregor in his post-fight speech.
However, it’s highly unlikely that McGregor could make weight or would accept a fight against a fighter who’s (yet) that known to sports fans in general.
This is Ilia Topuria
Ilia Topuria. Photo via YouTube
- Age: 27
- Record: 15-0
- UFC record: 7-0
- Weight: 145 lb (66 kg)
- Height: 5 ft 8 in (173 cm)
- Reach: 69 in (175 cm)
- Post-fight bonuses: 4
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