UFC 298: Honda Center; Anaheim, California
The Byrd’s said it best. “To everything turn, turn, turn. There is a season turn, turn, turn”. And now the UFC featherweight division is looking at the future post Alexander Volkanovski title reign. While fans like to look at “The Madden Curse”, “The SI Curse”, “Drake betting on you”; maybe it’s time to add Mark Zuckerberg wanting to puff his chest out and walk a fighter to the cage curse to the list. But that would be nit-picking. There’s a much larger spotlight. No UFC fighter lightweight or below has won a UFC title fight.
And thanks to the 27-year old Spaniard/Georgian Ilia Topuria that streak continues. El Matador in tight space is nearly flawless. His changing of angles there has, can, and will continue to crumble opponents. He’s patient and willing to absorb strikes to get there in part because he has a granite like chin. He is solid at mid-range as well. If you think just take him down, you’d be wrong there too. As he’s a black belt on the mats.
So whether his first title defense will be a rematch, fights against Max Holloway, or the winner of Brian Ortega and Yair Rodriguez; whom he has already started a social media beef with is anyone’s guess. And “Blessed” has a legendary chin. But even he’d have a hard time staying upright. Although his offense will definitely be worn by Topuria’s face and body.
However, there is another fighter with an “0” next to his name. Movsar Evloev albeit is surging right now has a two glaring issues. One he’s a judge’s decision machine (eight-straight UFC decisions), and despite his high paced game does not have a chin that can withstand the power coming back at him here.
The title run here, might become one that we all look bavk on one day and say wow. What happens to the former strap holder might be very different.
Looking At The Future For “The Great”
The title run here, might become one that we all look bavk on one day and say wow. What happens to the former strap holder might be very different. Will Volkanovski win again? Absolutely. Will he have another run? Most likely. Will he wear that 145-belt again? That’s sadly and quickly became a long shot.
It’s hard to argue he doesn’t deserve an immediate rematch. However, it will be very very hard for him to overcome that mountain. And that’s despite Eugene Bareman and Joe Lopez coming up with well prepared game plans. Like trying to chop away Topuria’s lead leg and switching stances. He didn’t look slow and sloppy, it’s that Topuria is that much crisper.
But three losses in four fights should mean a win or two is necessary. Especially to help his psyche. He’ll need to totally collapse the space with blitzes and feint more, Providing he wants to buck that curse trend. Maybe trying to pick off someone like Arnold Allen would do the trick.
Remember father time catches up to us all and perhaps he just grabbed an Aussie.
For sports news, click on: Belly Up Sports. To see the world of CYCLONE go to: Facebook.
