UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski is enjoying the buildup to his next title defense, specifically because of the antics by challenger Ilia Topuria.
Volkanovski (26-3 MMA, 13-2 UFC) defends his title against Topuria (14-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC) in the main event of UFC 298, which takes place at Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif. Ahead of the event, Volkanovski has enjoyed his role in the buildup, given that his opponent has been doing most of the trash talking, and in some people’s eyes filling in the role of the villain.
Topuria, whose confidence is riding high, recently updated his Instagram bio to “UFC World Champion” and “Undefeated 15-0,” meaning he’s already counting a victory at UFC 298.
Volkanovski was amused by the update.
“He’s undefeated, he’s talking, you know what I mean, and people are just laughing it up,” Volkanovski told “FREESTYLE BENDER.” “For me, I get to play the experienced champion, and I’m just going to humble the dude. So for me, I’m like, time will tell. The next press conference, in a couple of days, your words are going to be much different.
“Someone is going to have to go onto their bio on Instagram and change it, literally themselves. What a humbling experience that will be, and I’m going to make sure – I don’t want the manager or the trainers or his wife doing it. I want him personally to change that to 14-1 and ‘contender’ or whatever it is.”
Volkanovski believes Topuria is getting ahead of himself. He plans to humble him at UFC 298 by reminding the world who the best featherweight in the UFC is.
“Earned, not given. That’s something I like using, and it’s been around for quite some time,” Volkanovski said. “I’m all about that quote, and that’s just who I am. I’m not saying he’s not earned this shot, but let’s be real. Look at the way I had to get to the title and a lot of people had to get to the title.
“I’m glad he’s in this position, so I’m fine with that, but now he’s acting like he’s the champion, and he thinks he’s already a superstar, but that will change on Feb. 17. He will have a rude shock. He’s going to have to eat a big humble pie, and I get to do that. This is perfect for my story line.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 298.
