Alexander Volkanovski has seen enough of Ilia Topuria to know that what happened against Justin Gaethje at UFC White House does not tell the full story. Speaking to Ariel Helwani, Volkanovski was measured but clear: Topuria wins a rematch, provided he makes the right adjustments.
“Ilia will learn a lot from that. I think Ilia wins the rematch, and that’s no knock on Justin at all. Ilia was the favorite for a reason. If he doesn’t rush as much, fights at a little better distance, and does what he usually does—setting nice traps—he’ll eventually find him. Being so aggressive is sort of what cost him, I believe,” Volkanovski said.
Ilia Topuria’s Aggressiveness Was Always Going to Backfire
UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski, who has shared the octagon with “El Matador,” and was also knocked out and dethroned by the now-29-year-old, believes Ilia Topuria can definitely beat Justin Gaethje in a rematch, but only if he fights smarter.
Volkanovski’s view makes sense considering how the first fight unfolded. Topuria suffered heavy damage, including a broken orbital bone, which affected him as the bout went on. He wanted to do exactly what he had predicted: channeling his inner “Mystic Mac” and aiming to knock Gaethje out in the first or second round. However, when he failed to get the early finish, frustration began to set in as everything Gaethje had said before the fight was starting to come true.
Despite the injury and swelling around his eyes that made it hard for him to see, Topuria kept pushing forward and trading with Gaethje. Against a powerful and experienced striker like “The Highlight,” that approach proved costly, as he continued to land clean shots and take control of the fight.
The Aussie believes a rematch could be different if Topuria stays patient, uses his skills more effectively, and avoids getting drawn into a brawl.
Justin Gaethje Has Every Right to Ignore A Rematch
The problem for Ilia Topuria is that Justin Gaethje has absolutely no incentive to give him a shot at redemption. He beat “El Matador” clean and fair, and Volkanovski acknowledged that clearly.
“That’s what’s so good about the story, though, for Justin Gaethje… I think that’s incredible, and good on him. That’s incredible,” he said.
Now-reigning and undisputed UFC lightweight champion Gaethje beat and dethroned the 29-year-old by making him quit after four rounds, earned the belt on merit, and holds all the leverage right now. Thus, “El Matador” needs to prove he deserves another crack before any rematch conversation becomes real.
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