UFC 298: Ilia Topuria Grabs Fans’ Attention as He Still Needs to Cut 16 lbs for Alexander Volkanovski Fight- “Very Average Cut”

UFC 298 is just a week away, and Ilia Topuria is all set to take on Alexander Volkanovski next. The 27-year-old Spaniard has taken the division by storm after his recent performances and is still unbeaten in the division. However, that could all change when he steps up against the best fighter in the division on Saturday, 17th February.

In a recent interview given to a Spanish media outlet, Topuria revealed that he currently weighed 73 kg (161 lbs) and will need to lose 7.3 kg (16 lbs) before next Friday’s weigh-ins. Let us find out how the fans reacted to this latest update from ‘El Matador.’

Fans confident Ilia Topuria will make weight for UFC 298

Ilia Topuria earned his much-awaited title shot after he won his fight against Josh Emmett at UFC on ABC 5 back in June 2023. The 27-year-old won the fight via decision after a dominant performance and is now all set to challenge for the belt.

With UFC 298 just around the corner, Topuria is actively engaging in his media duties. Talking to Spanish sports presenter Juanma Castano, the Georgian said he still had to lose 7.3 kgs for the weight cut.

The online MMA community welcomed this information from the champion. For most of them, this meant he was well on track to make weight for the main event in Anaheim, California next weekend. Let us look at some of their comments.

One fan seemed very confident about Topuria making the weight and commented:

One fan even compared the weight loss with the 90’s era and said:

Another user also seemed very confident and said it was not really a taxing cut on the body:

While 7.3 kgs might be a lot for many, one user felt it would be not be that hard:

Another user also felt exactly the same :

One user showed his concern with the weight Topuria would appear after the weigh in :

One user felt Ilia Topuria would be heavier than Volkanovski when they fight:

The clash at UFC 298 has already gathered a lot of hype in its buildup. Volkanovski is making his return to the featherweight division after his brief stint in the lightweight division. The Aussie took on Islam Makhachev at UFC 294 on short notice and lost the fight via knockout. However, the 35-year-old former rugby player is now all focused on the challenge ahead and will look to teach the 27-year-old a lesson.

Alexander Volkanovski is ready to teach Topuria a lesson

Alexander Volkanovski recently made an appearance at the UFC 298 media day. During the press conference ‘Volk’ made it clear that he was ready to humble the outspoken Spaniard. ‘ El Matador’ is known for his ability to get under the skin of his opponents. He has even promised to win the belt and called the champion old in the process. However, the 35-year-old champion is confident of teaching the Spaniard a lesson and feels his experience will help him in the fight.

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During the press conference ‘ Volk’ mentioned that ‘ El Matador’ was not to be taken lightly. However, he said: “Look, he’s a dangerous opponent… He probably hasn’t proved himself against the top guys … but that doesn’t mean he’s not as good as he says he is… Everyone has a puncher’s chance and to be honest I think that’s all he has got… He’s young, dangerous, has a lot of hype around him … but that all ends in a couple of weeks,”. Between a defiant Volkanovski and a young and determined Ilia Topuria, who do you think will win at UFC 298? Let us know in the comments below.

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