Demetrious Johnson cautions Alexander Volkanovski against an immediate rematch with Ilia Topuria.
Volkanovski (26-4 MMA, 13-3 UFC) was dethroned by Topuria (15-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC) in the main event of UFC 298 at Honda Center in Anaheim, California. He suffered a knockout loss in Round 2. “The Great” has been campaigning for a rematch and is even willing to face Topuria in Spain to make it happen.
However, Johnson is skeptical about the wisdom of that decision. He believes that Topuria’s power will continue to present challenges for Volkanovski.
“After watching Volkanovski’s press conference, he still appears optimistic,” Johnson shared on his YouTube channel. “There’s a certain spirit in him that wants to keep fighting. But the question is, should he go for an immediate rematch? From what I gathered in the press conference, Volkanovski mentioned that he planned to add more tools to his arsenal in the fight.
“Now, when I think about it, if Ilia gets a chance to connect with you, you’re going to sleep. So, I’m not sure what other strategies Volkanovski was planning to employ to prevent Ilia from reaching him. In a rematch, all Ilia needs to do is touch him. Volkanovski will have to evade Ilia Topuria for 25 minutes. … Personally, I strongly believe that Ilia Topuria is a tough opponent for Alex Volkanovski because he doesn’t get disheartened easily.”
Volkanovski has suffered knockout losses in his last two fights. Johnson expresses concern about his ability to take punches moving forward, particularly in a matchup against someone like Topuria.
“I’m curious to see how Volkanovski would alter his game plan because if Ilia lands a clean shot on him, it’s lights out,” Johnson explained. “Especially considering his recent knockout losses. Just look at Wanderlei Silva and Chuck Liddell. Once you’ve been knocked out and it keeps happening, that button gets more sensitive with each blow. We saw it happen last night.”
According to the Source mmajunkie.usatoday.com