“Vacate the Belt” – Joe Rogan Exposing Ilia Topuria Has Fans Up in Arms While Hopeful for Alexander Volkanovski Title Shot at UFC 305
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Joe Rogan revealed Ilia Topuria’s plan for his next fight, which didn’t sit well with the MMA fandom. Topuria dethroned Alexander Volkanovski from his perch atop the 145 lbs division at UFC 298 with a stunning knockout in the second round. Nevertheless, during Rogan’s recent conversation with Max Holloway on the JRE (Joe Rogan Experience) MMA Show no. 155 podcast, the UFC color commentator stated that ‘El Matador’ isn’t keen on giving a rematch to the Australian.
Rogan revealed, “But I guess he feels like he’s the champ, he can call the shots. I know that he turned down the Perth one — [UFC] 305, the Volkanovski rematch.” His remarks highlight the statement Topuria had made on social media where he stated, “I decide who, when, and where.”
Joe Rogan says that Ilia Topuria turned down the Alex Volkanovski rematch at #UFC305 pic.twitter.com/ji33A9Lodc
— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) April 29, 2024
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The post also contained a dig at recent ‘BMF’ title winner, Max Holloway as Topuria also claimed in the post that he’d only be willing to fight ‘Blessed’ if the BMF title was also on the line. But Holloway slammed him in a response in an interview with Jim Rome, where he stated, “A ‘BMF’ fights whatever, fights whoever, whenever, any weight, any time, and that’s not a tone of a ‘BMF.”
So far, there haven’t been any confirmations regarding Topuria’s first title defense. But with the UFC 305 card set to take place on August 18 in Perth, Australia, many fans have indicated that they would like to see Volkanovski get a crack at revenge against Topuria in his home country. Here’s a look at what the netizens had to say.
Ilia Topuria’s decision for Alexander Volkanovksi gets blasted by fans after Joe Rogan’s revelation
Fans pointed out that Topuria should vacate the title as it doesn’t make sense for him to decide who the next challenger should be. Volkanovski’s 5 successful title defenses before losing the belt to Ilia Topuria were also brought up by the fans as to why he deserves a rematch.
Should be that, or vacate the belt since he won’t get a fight…. shouldn’t get to pick and choose when a champ of Volks caliber always deserves to be the first title defense.
— PNW253 (@Lippa07) April 29, 2024
However, a contrasting opinion was also put forth by the fans who claimed that Topuria might be holding out for a UFC event in Spain, and according to them, Holloway should be the one to get a shot at the champion instead of ‘The Great’
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Whilst I'm not really big on Ilia, if he's holding out to headline the Bernabeu in Spain, then I'm okay with that. I'd rather see Ilia v Max over there, than him rematch Volk so soon in Australia
— Kieran J 💪 (@Jw95Kieran) April 29, 2024
Some also pointed out that while the knockout was massive, Volkanovski was an active champion who defended his title and as such, deserves a rematch.
I agree he put him to sleep but volk fought everyone he was suppose to fight. He should def get a rematch. And Topuria says it’s easy so just take the ”easy” pay day.
— Keith Hartig (@Coach_Keith__) April 30, 2024
Fans also claimed that Volkanovski didn’t look outmatched in the fight against Ilia Topuria and was having success before getting “caught”. As such, the fans believe that ‘El Matador’ might be concerned about losing the title in an immediate rematch to a motivated Volkanovski who will be out to avenge his loss
Volk was tagging Ilia with ease up & until the KO. He got caught, got slept. Wants immediate rematch because he knows he’s not getting any younger.
Ilia knows he has nothing to gain by rematch and everything to lose. It’s a scared mentality one that Volk never had fighting Max
— Dave Krupinski (@DaveKrupinski) April 30, 2024
There were shots taken at his nickname as fans pointed out that ‘El Matador’ is trying to dodge the bulls in his division by refusing fights
dude is called the matador for a reason…Holloway should be next
— Blackbird Blackbird (@MikeyBBx2) April 29, 2024
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Some even highlighted how they aren’t fans of the champion and hope to see him receive a reality check in his next outing
It’s been 2 months and I’m already tired of him as champ. Really hope he gets humbled
— Jimmy (@L28Jimmy) April 29, 2024
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The debate continues among MMA enthusiasts as they await Ilia Topuria’s decision for his first title defense, with opinions divided on whether he should grant Alexander Volkanovski a rematch or face another challenger like Max Holloway. What are your thoughts on the situation? Do you think Volkanovski deserves a rematch or is Holloway next in line? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Edited by:
Joyita Das