Ilya Topuria fulfills her destiny, knocking out Volkanovski and winning the UFC

nOr he never suspected…and he didn't do that to the appraiser. Ilya Topuria (15-0-0) fulfilled her destiny and captured the featherweight belt from Alexander Volkanovski (26-4-0). “The Great One” lost the crown and “The Matador” rose to the top. He knocked Volkanovski out in the second round with a flurry of strikes and lifted the belt. They called him arrogant and arrogant…but he simply showed confidence in his abilities.

“Topuriamania” is real. Nothing is imposed. Spain woke up early to follow its new star. And now he sees him ruling. He promised and did not disappoint those who believed. Ilya Topuria is already the “Magnificent Seventh” of the UFC, which is the equivalent of his name to that of legends Like Khabib or Adesaya. From Clement de Alicante to glory. Unbeatable champion. 15-0-0… as expected.

The Spanish-Georgian has freed himself in the place where, in January 2022, the scales prevented him from rising to fight against Charles Jourdain. But history reserved a place for him in California. And much greater greatness. Located in the center of Anaheim, California, it is a historic place. Duck House, the pavilion where the first women's fight in the UFC took place (157, Ronda Rousey over Liz Carmouche) Or the octagon in which Brock Lesnar lost the heavyweight belt to Cain Velasquez.

A few kilometers from here, by the way, in the Anaheim Convention Center, Lydia Valentin was declared the absolute world weightlifting champion in 2020. Now it is the arena where Ilya Topuria rose above it all.

Historic night

A few days ago “Sold” was published. Tickets range from $300 to over $6,000. Alberto Contador, Riqui Puig, Aaron Piper and Omar Montes were some of the well-known faces at Honda Centre But Mark Zuckerberg and many other dignitaries from the American world were also present.

Meanwhile, more than 400 Spaniards were spread out around the venue among staff, family, friends and “El Matador” followers. Although the atmosphere remained Supporters of Volkanovski, as in the days before the fighting, caught the Spaniards' attention. And also the Georgians who accompanied Merab Dvalishvili… and Ilya.

“I assure you it will be very bad. Tomorrow we will write history. It will be something historic for Spain and Georgia… and for me personally. He who believes, creates facts.” Topuria had warned Hours before the fight at Marca's microphones. And “El Matador” does not break his promises.

Topuria started from the blue corner but was wearing red pants. He had threatened to finish in the first round but he came out with great maturity and controlled the middle and the fight.. Faulk fired several kicks but El Matador defended himself. It was, in fact, the Georgian Hispano who was right with many of them “Low kicks.” He even had a word for the Australian midway through the attack.

The stands started chanting, “Elijah, Elijah, Elijah.” They saw it. I would do that. He did so after starting the second round better. A series of blows crowned a new champion in the second round. date.

This was UFC 298

The star card is opened with Anthony Hernandez (12-2) by defeating Russian Kopylov (12-3) by submission. The stands celebrated him in style. In another night battle, Merab Dvalishvili (17-4) defeated Georgia and advanced it to Henry Cejudo (16-4). A fighter full of charisma and continues to grow. Irish Ian Machado He moved up to 14-0 in a somewhat famous fight against Jeff Neal (15-6). And before tonight's big date, the co-star left a very good taste in the mouth: Robert Whittaker (25-7-0) defeated Paulo Costa (14-3-0) by judges' decision.

Before, in the introductions, a story Tava (5-2) It didn't end with a happy ending… but Mingyang Zhang (17-6) left an unforgettable TKO against Brendson Ribeiro (15-6).