‘Is Alex done?’: Volk slams rival’s cocky act, vows to defy UFC trend

Aussie UFC champion Alex Volkanovski will have to defy history but he’s determined to keep his belt and shut up his cocky challenger.

Alex Volkanovski wants to humble Illia Topuria.

Alex Volkanovski has vowed to give Illia Topuria a “rude awakening” in their UFC showdown this weekend, slamming his latest challenger’s brash cockiness.

Volkanovski (26-3, 13KOs) will defend his UFC featherweight title against Topuria (14-0, 8KOs) on Sunday in his first fight since he was brutally knocked out by Islam Makhachev last year after taking the lightweight rematch on 11 days’ notice.

The Aussie fighter still has goals of winning the lightweight belt but his first task is to defend his home turf against Topuria, the No. 1 contender in the featherweight division.

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!

Volkanovski will have to break a UFC curse of sorts — fighters aged 35 and over have won just two out of 33 title fights between the flyweight and welterweight divisions.

He’s beaten every legitimate featherweight contender — Chad Mendes, Jose Aldo, Max Holloway (three times), Chan Sung Jung, Brian Ortega and Yair Rodriguez.

But 27-year-old Topuria represents a new generation of hungry fighters desperate to take the belt off Volk, who poked fun at the narrative around his age in a hilarious skit.

It appears Topuria is getting a bit ahead of himself, changing his Instagram bio to say “world champion”, prematurely stating his record as 15-0 and producing a documentary about his road to the belt.

“The hype is real with this one. I’m in great nick,” Volkanovski told Main Event ahead of his clash with Topuria at UFC 298.

Volk will have to defy his age to defend his UFC title. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

“I’ve proved myself with the best in the world many times. He hasn’t had the chance to do that yet. We’ll see if he’s unstoppable.

“Is this the kid to do it? Is he as good as he says?

“Or is Alex done? It makes the story bigger and it’s going to make my victory even bigger. I thrive when people are doubting me. I love that.”

The Australian was then asked about his brash opponent.

“I think he’s dangerous, he’s powerful,” Volkanovski said, adding “a puncher’s chance is the only way anyone can beat me in this division”.

As for Topuria acting like he already has the belt around his waist, Volkanovski said the Spaniard “needs a humbling” and vowed to “teach him a lesson”.

“He’s probably not that bad of a kid but I think it has gone to his head,” Volk said.

“He thinks he’s a superstar already. He literally thinks he’s the money fight already.

“Some of the things he’s saying, he needs a rude awakening. He really does need some humbling.

“I’ve earned everything. I’ve earned the championship in my bio, all that stuff.

“He doesn’t even have the title yet. He’s going to be taught a lesson, it’s going to be a rude awakening and he can thank me later. He ain’t getting the title this time, I’m telling ya.

“And I think that’s going to make him a better fighter, a better human, better father, you name it.

Ilia Topuria is acting like he’s already champion. (Photo by Mireya Acierto/Getty Images)

It’s the old guard vs the new generation this weekend. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

“I’m going to do the man a favour. I’m going to teach him a lesson and then maybe his story starts after that, because right now he’s just a part of my story.”

At age 35, Volkanovski says he’s hungrier than ever to stay at the top and cement his status as the featherweight GOAT before priming himself for another go at the lightweight belt.

“Yeah I’m getting older but I’m more hungry than these guys,” he said.

“I’ve got more passion than half the young fellas. These numbers don’t mean nothing. That’s what’s exciting about this sport. People quickly forget but they are quickly reminded.”

He was also asked about his first round KO loss to Makhachev, when he was kicked in the head.

“Obviously I don’t like losing, so that did hurt,” he said.

Volkanovski told foxsports.com.au it was the first time he’d ever been concussed, including during his rugby league career.

Volk was knocked out for the first time by Islam Makhachev in October. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

“I tried to do something that was always going to be a tall ask,” he said.

“It just shows you how important preparation is. We don’t want a result like last time.”

Elsewhere on the UFC 298 fight card, fellow Aussie Robert Whittaker will look to get back in the winner’s circle against Paulo Costa after losing to now-middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis.

UFC 298 FULL FIGHT CARD

Alexander Volkanovski vs Illia Topuria — featherweight title (main event)

Robert Whittaker vs Paulo Costa — middleweight (co-main event)

Geoff Neal vs Ian Garry – welterweight

Merab Dvalishvili vs Henry Cejudo — middleweight

PRELIMS

Amanda Lemos vs Mackenzie Dern — women strawweight

Marcos Rogerio de Lima vs Justin Tafa — heavyweight

Rinya Nakamura vs Carlos Verga — bantamweight

Zhang Mingyang vs Brendson Ribeiro — light heavyweight