‘Shut the f*** up’: Explosive scenes unfold ahead of UFC 298
Alexander Volkanovski and Ilia Topuria squared off ahead of their UFC showdown with the two trading expletive barbs on Friday.
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The fireworks went off early in Las Vegas.
Alexander Volkanovski and Ilia Topuria are set to square off in UFC 298 on Sunday afternoon (AEDT) for the Aussie’s featherweight crown.
UFC 298: VOLKANOVSKI VS TOPURIA | SUN 18 FEB | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports. Main Event on Kayo Sports and Foxtel is the new exclusive home of UFC Pay-Per-View events!
But it was on Friday when they traded verbal barbs that set the scene for an explosive showdown inside the octagon for UFC 298.
Volkanovski walked out onto the stage dressed up like an old man, the same outfit he wore for an ad for Sportsbet.
The first question asked to the 35-year-old was about his outfit.
“Just having a bit of fun with it, you know what I mean? You’ve got to do it. And for the people as well! Everyone appreciated the outfit so I wanted to do it in person,” he said.
It was during the next question to Volkanovski however when things boiled over as Topuria interjected.
Loud boos rang out which saw the title challenger take aim at those in attendance.
“Shut the f*** up. Shut the f*** up. Shut up, shut up,” Topuria said.
The expletive outburst sparked a war of words between the two men as the fuse for Sunday was well and truly lit.
Volkanovski said: “I think this old man needs to teach this young fella a lesson, what do you reckon?”
Topuria says: “You see how you came dressed, you already know what’s going to happen. You came ready for retirement. Look how you look you old man.”
Volkanovski declared: “He’ll get a good spanking, that’s what’s gonna happen.”
“He said he’s going to humble me. Stand up and do something. Humble me!”
“Saturday night I’m gonna look mean and lean, I’m coming for ya head,” he said.
Topuria replied: “I’m gonna humble you, I’m gonna show you. I’m gonna walk (wipe) the floor with you.”
Volkanovski hit back: “I’m gonna make this look easy.”
Topuria said: “I’m gonna tear your head off.”
The Aussie star continued to laugh off the fiery Spaniard’s tirade and even branded him a “Conor McGregor wannabe.”
Scepticism has been flying about surrounding the reign of Volkanovski following his knockout loss at the hands of Islam Makhachev.
The Aussie took the rematch against the lightweight king on short notice and was knocked out cold in the opening round.
It led many to believe his time at the top of the sport could be coming to an end with Topuria coming to snatch his crown.
He responded to the doubters on Friday with an emphatic response.
“There’s gonna be some doubt, he’s obviously showing a lot of confidence. Thinks he’s the man to do it, I’m gonna show him that he’s not … He doesn’t stand a chance,” Volkanovski said.
Topuria isn’t backing down and believes he’s the man to end the Aussie’s featherweight dominance.
“I represent the evolution of this game. I represent the new generation of mixed martial arts,” he said.
“After this Saturday night, I’m going to change the whole game of mixed martial arts. I’m going to end this world and mine’s gonna start. And you all will become an instant fan so shut the f*** up right now.”
UFC 298 kicks off on Sunday afternoon from 2pm (AEDT).
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