In a recent discussion, Alexander Volkanovski outlined his preferred approach for taking on Ilia Topuria, stressing a tactical focus on exploiting Topuria’s wrestling limitations. Speaking shortly after Topuria’s headline-stealing win at UFC 317, Volkanovski shared how using wrestling, rather than striking, is central to the Alexander Volkanovski strategy to beat Topuria.

Volkanovski Advises Testing Topuria’s Wrestling Skills

Volkanovski, widely recognized as the reigning featherweight champion, believes that Ilia Topuria’s well-known knockout power makes him a dangerous opponent on the feet. Topuria recently made history in the UFC by becoming the first undefeated fighter to collect titles in two weight classes after knocking out Charles Oliveira at UFC 317. His earlier victories, including devastating finishes against Max Holloway and Volkanovski himself, showcased his striking prowess, but many observers note that his wrestling abilities have yet to face deep scrutiny.

During an appearance on the FLAGRANT podcast, Volkanovski was explicit about the path he would take to challenge Topuria effectively. Rather than engaging in a striking battle, the Australian champion suggested that future opponents should prioritize wrestling exchanges to push Topuria into unfamiliar territory and examine his stamina and grappling defense.

”Wrestle the bloke, man [Topuria]. That’s what you want to see: what’s going to happen with his gas tank. So even with Ilia, great fighter, like even a lot of the things he does, like I’m sure a lot of it’s well trained, and then he’s got so many good instincts as well. Even him just shifting that way, he probably trained for that…but we want to see the gas tank” —Alexander Volkanovski, Featherweight Champion

Topuria’s Recent Successes and Rivalry with Volkanovski

Ilia Topuria’s recent run has been nothing short of remarkable, culminating in a brutal knockout over Charles Oliveira to capture a second divisional championship. Before this, Topuria’s ascent included decisive knockouts over both Max Holloway and Volkanovski, making him one of the sport’s most talked-about competitors. Notably, Topuria claimed the featherweight belt by defeating Volkanovski at UFC 298, further defending it against Holloway at UFC 308 before moving up a division.

Despite Topuria’s rise, the question remains about how he fares under the pressure of persistent wrestling. Volkanovski’s insight draws attention to whether Topuria’s unbeaten streak would withstand an opponent consistently opting for grappling instead of striking exchanges.

The strategic debate is especially relevant in the featherweight division, where athletes like Volkanovski are celebrated for their tactical intelligence and well-rounded skills. The backstory between these fighters includes Volkanovski returning to action at UFC 314 to claim victory over Diego Lopes, demonstrating resilience after a taxing year away from the cage.

Volkanovski Reflects on Consequences of Facing Topuria After Quick Turnaround

After being knocked out by Islam Makhachev in their rematch, Volkanovski quickly decided to accept a bout against Ilia Topuria at UFC 298. In hindsight, he admits the rapid return may have underestimated the risks, as Topuria ended their clash with a powerful right hand in the second round. The psychological aftermath caused Volkanovski to question his own decision-making, a topic he explored in depth during a conversation with Demetrious Johnson.

”A lot of people thought I was mad fighting three months later against Ilia Topuria, but no one could have changed my mind…They’re like, ‘Oh, what about you’re coming off a knockout loss, that messes with your confidence and all that’…I didn’t believe any of that…the only time I maybe felt something, a little bit, was when I was in the cage. That’s where I was like, ‘Alright, maybe there is something to this’.” —Alexander Volkanovski, Featherweight Champion

The Future of Strategic Battles in the Featherweight Scene

Alexander Volkanovski’s advice to prioritize wrestling when facing Ilia Topuria spotlights an ongoing tactical evolution in the UFC’s featherweight division. With Topuria’s dominance in striking now well established, questions about his grappling endurance remain ripe for exploration by upcoming challengers. As the division continues to host high-profile matchups, Volkanovski’s strategic approach could influence both fighters’ preparation and fans’ expectations for future bouts featuring these celebrated athletes.