Sean O’Malley, Islam Makhachev Reacts as Ilia Topuria Sends Alexander Volkanovski to the Shadow Realm at UFC 298
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Ilia Topuria has done it! The featherweight division is now on a new track,’ El Matador’ has stopped the winning train of Alexander Volkanovski at the UFC 298 station. After months of bad blood and anticipation about winning the belt, Topuria has done it. Feels like the legacy of ‘Volk’ has fallen but the entire UFC community has the back of the ‘Great’.
With a beautifully crafted series of punches, Topuria knocked the ‘Great’ out of the Honda Center, Anaheim. The fighters went toe-to-toe against each other, however, it was ‘El Matador’ who had the last laugh. The featherweight division has crowned a new champion but the community has given its respect to the old ‘Great’.
Ilia Topuria will keep his undefeated status after the win, however, ‘Volk’ would have to rethink his gameplay after a series of defeats in these months. Topuria and Volkanovski’s fight promised war and oh boy they delivered an action-packed war. Topuria’s second-round knockout has paved the way for the new gen of featherweight fighters.
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MMA community reacts to Alexander Volkanovski vs. Ilia Topuria
Topuria unleashed a stunnin͏g combo when Volkanovski found himself backed against the cage in the second round. A thunderous right hand connected with the chin, causing ‘The Great’ to crumble to the canvas in a truly unexpected twist that left even Rogan at a loss ͏for words.
The featherweight division crowned a new king, however, the community has yet to let go of the old ‘Volk’. From Islam Makhachev to Sean O’Malley to Charles Oliveira. everyone came out of their way to respect the legacy of Alexander Volkanovski as well as to appreciate the newly crowned champion. Some of the comments by the fighters are as follows:-
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Starting off, it was ‘Volk’s nemesis Makhacehv who praised ‘Great’ for his champion status.
Alex is undeniably one of the greatest champion in the FW division. Keep your head up and come back strong!
Congrats to new champ Topuria, well done биджо !
— Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) February 18, 2024
Kamaru Usman came forward to appreciate Topuria.
Damn!!! I told y’all he’s the real deal @Topuriailia 👏🏿👏🏿 #UFC298
— KAMARU USMAN (@USMAN84kg) February 18, 2024
Dillon Danis jumped on the bandwagon to congratulate the new champion.
Wow, viva Spain! Ilia Topuria is a savage.
— Dillon Danis (@dillondanis) February 18, 2024
The number 9 of the featherweight division, Movsar Evloev seems to have set his eyes on the newly crowned prince.
My congratulations to the new champion. I’m coming for you and taking that belt from you #ufc298
— Movsar Evloev (@MovsarUFC) February 18, 2024
The number one contender for the lightweight title, Oliveria had some words for ‘El Matador’
Wow El Matador#UFC298
— Charles ‘DoBronxs’ Oliveira (@CharlesDoBronxs) February 18, 2024
Middleweight fighter, Bo Nickal seems to be passing some roses to the Spanish sensation.
Ilia ❤️🌹🐂
— Bo Nickal (@NoBickal) February 18, 2024
Former UFC fighter, Ben Askren has some words of appreciation for Topuria’s power.
Ilia ❤️🌹🐂
— Bo Nickal (@NoBickal) February 18, 2024
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Last but not least, ESPN showcased the reaction of the fighters that include, including Sean O’Malley at the ringside.
FIGHTERS ROW WAS STUNNED AFTER TOPURIA’S WIN 😳 #UFC298 pic.twitter.com/XaQn9WY1xF
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) February 18, 2024
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It can be understood from the reactions of the fighters that they are completely caught off-guard by Topuria’s sudden knockout in the second round. Everyone was expecting a toe-to-toe fight, however, Topuria’s knockout came out of the syllabus for everyone. With ‘Volk’ not at the helm anymore, who do you think will dictate the terms of the featherweight division now?
Edited by:
Joyita Das