Ilya Topuria fulfills his destiny, knocks out Volkanovski and conquers the UFC

Nor never doubted… and he didn’t do it in the Octagon. Ilya Topuria (15-0-0) fulfilled his destiny and took the featherweight belt from Alexander Volkanovski (26-4-0). “The Great One” lost the crown and “El Matador” rose to the top. He knocked out Volkanovski in the second round with a perfect sequence of punches and lifted the belt.

“Topuriamania” is real. Nothing is forced. Spain woke up early to follow their new superstar. And now he sees how he rules. He made a promise and did not let down those who believed. Ilya Topuria is already, in fact, the “Magnificent Seventh” of the UFC, equating his name with the name of the legends. like Khabib or Adesaya. From Clement of Alicante to glory. Undefeated champion. 15-0-0…just as he predicted.

The Latino-Georgian redeemed himself where the scales prevented him from stepping up to fight Charles Jourdain in January 2022. But history has reserved a place for him in California. And much greater greatness. In Downtown Anaheim, California, this is a historic site.. Dax House, the pavilion where the first women’s fight in the UFC took place. (157, Ronda Rousey defeated Liz Carmouche) or the Octagon in which Brock Lesnar lost the heavyweight belt to Cain Velasquez.

By the way, a few kilometers away, at the Anaheim Convention Center, Lydia Valentin was proclaimed the overall 2020 world champion in weightlifting. Now this is the arena in which Ilya Topuria has risen above all others.

Historical night

A few days ago a message was published that the tickets had been sold out. Tickets range from $300 to over $6,000. Alberto Contador, Riqui Puig, Aron Piper and Omar Montes were some of the most famous faces at the Honda Center. but Mark Zuckerberg and many VIPs from the American world were also present.

Meanwhile, more than 400 Spaniards are scattered throughout the venue among El Matador’s employees, relatives, friends and followers. And although the atmosphere remains Pro-Volkanovski, as in the days before the fight, the Spaniards made their presence felt. And also the Georgians who accompanied Merab Dvalishvili… and Ilya.

“It will be terrible, I assure you. Tomorrow we will write history. This will be something historical for Spain, for Georgia… and for me personally. He who believes creates reality.” Topuria warned a few hours before the fight at the MARCA microphones. And “El Matador” does not betray its promises.

Topuria started from the blue corner, but was wearing red pants. He threatened to finish in the first round, but performed very maturely, controlling the center and the fight.. “Wolf” threw several kicks, but “El Matador” defended himself. In fact, it was the Latin American Georgian who was right on several issues. “low kicks”. He even dedicated a word to the Australian in the midst of the assault.

“Ilya, Ilya, Ilya,” the stands chanted. They saw it. I was going to do this. And he did it. A series of blows that crowned the new champion in the second round. Story.

It was UFC 298.

The star map opened with Anthony Hernandez (12-2) defeating Russian Kopylov (12-3) by submission. The stands celebrated in style. In another night battle Merab Dvalishvili (17-4) completed and elevated Georgia against Henry Cejudo (16-4). A fighter full of charisma who continues to grow. Irish Ian Machado He improved to 14-0 in a rather famous fight against Geoff Neal (15-6). And shortly before an important date, my colleague left a very pleasant taste in his mouth: Robert Whittaker (25-7-0) defeated Paulo Costa (14-3-0) by decision.

Previously, in preview versions, history tafa (5-2) didn’t have a happy ending… but Mingyang Zhang (17-6) had a TKO against Brandson Ribeiro (15-6) to remember.