Ilia Topuria shocked the world with his second-round knockout victory at UFC 298. The event took place at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California. Topuria’s impressive performance ended Alexander Volkanovski’s reign as the featherweight champion. The 28-year-old fighter’s win marks the beginning of a new era in the sport.
The reaction from fellow UFC fighters was one of astonishment. Former light heavyweight champion Jamahal Hill was seen clapping his hands in disbelief, repeatedly saying “that’s crazy” and “wow.” Watch the aftermath of the fight here.
Notable fighters such as Islam Makhachev, Aljamain Sterling, and Belal Muhammad shared their immediate reactions on X, the site formerly known as Twitter. Muhammad, who is rumored to have a title match against Leon Edwards, praised Topuria’s calculated fight.
Makhachev, a dominant champion in the lightweight division, acknowledged Volkanovski’s greatness and encouraged him to come back stronger. He also congratulated Topuria on his victory.
Sterling, who will be facing Calvin Kattar at UFC 300, celebrated the crowning of a new king in the featherweight division. He extended his congratulations to Topuria, as well as to Merab and the countries of Georgia and Spain.
Ben Askren, a former champion in One Championship and Bellator MMA, commended Topuria’s power. He was amazed by the knockout and acknowledged that Topuria hits incredibly hard.
Kamaru Usman, the former UFC welterweight champion, expressed his belief in Topuria’s abilities. He confidently stated that Topuria is the real deal.
Ilia Topuria’s victory at UFC 298 has left the MMA world in awe. His knockout power and impressive performance have established him as a force to be reckoned with.
DANA WHITE PRAISES YOUNGEST UFC CHAMPION
In a stunning display of skill and determination, 27-year-old Topuria has become the youngest champion on the UFC roster. The UFC boss, Dana White, couldn’t contain his praise for the rising star. Speaking at the post-fight press conference, White acknowledged the doubts surrounding Topuria’s ability to handle the pressure of a main event. However, Topuria exceeded all expectations, delivering an outstanding performance against the formidable Volk.
“Topuria looked solid, man. Very solid,” White declared, clearly impressed by the young fighter’s abilities. He went on to highlight Topuria and 29-year-old Sean O’Malley as the next generation of MMA superstars, emphasizing Topuria’s exceptional talent.
During the live ESPN broadcast, Topuria expressed his overwhelming happiness and shared an inspiring message for aspiring fighters. “They’re going to tell you, you can’t do it. They’re going to knock you down. Just trust yourself. Work tirelessly, have faith, and everything is possible. Look at me now,” he proclaimed. Topuria’s journey to becoming a UFC world champion serves as a testament to the power of determination and self-belief.
As the UFC continues to captivate fans around the world, the next event is set to take place in Mexico City on February 24. This will be followed by another thrilling showdown in Las Vegas the following week.
Alan Dawson, a respected combat sports and UFC journalist, covers the latest developments in the world of mixed martial arts. Stay tuned for more updates on the exciting world of UFC.
According to the Source heavy.com