Alexander Volkanovski still views Ilia Topuria as a favorite over Justin Gaethje, even after UFC Freedom 250.
Topuria (17-1 MMA, 9-1 UFC) was upset in a shocking lightweight title loss to Gaethje (28-5 MMA, 11-5 UFC) in Sunday’s main event at the White House in Washington DC. Doctors waved the fight off after Round 4, awarding Gaethje the TKO win.
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Topuria had his moments when he dropped and almost finished Gaethje in Round 2. However, Gaethje was sharp from the opening bell, causing significant damage to both Topuria’s eyes and busting up his face. Featherweight champion Volkanovski, who was knocked out by Topuria at UFC 298, says “El Matador’s” approach cost him.
“I think if Ilia fights the right fight, he will learn a lot from that,” Volkanovski said on “The Ariel Helwani Show.” “I think Ilia wins the rematch, and that’s no knock on Justin at all. Obviously Ilia was a favorite for a reason. If he doesn’t rush as much, fights at a little better distance, and then does what he usually does, sets up nice traps, he’ll eventually find him. Being so aggressive is sort of what cost him, I believe.
“That’s what’s so good about the story, though, for Justin Gaethje. Look at his career, and it didn’t look like he was going to ever actually feel the real undisputed belt, and then he goes, and massive underdog, White House, and then fights the perfect fight and gets the win. That’s what adds to the story. I think that’s incredible and good on him. I’m obviously a fan of both guys, and for Justin to do what he did, well done. That’s incredible.”
Topuria provided no excuses after the loss, but called for a rematch. The loss to Gaethje marked his first-career setback.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC champ confident Ilia Topuria beats Justin Gaethje in rematch
