Ilia Topuria discusses his confidence ahead of UFC 298 title fight vs. Alex Volkanovski | ESPN MMA
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- čas přidán 9. 05. 2024
- Stream UFC 298 on ESPN+ plus.espn.com/ufc/ppv
Jon Anik sits down with Ilia Topuria ahead of his featherweight title fight against Alexander Volkanovski in Anaheim.
0:00 Intro
0:40 Rise to title contender
1:44 How long he’s prepared for Volk
3:12 Win vs. Josh Emmett
4:32 Sergio Ramos & bringing UFC to Spain
7:30 Volk’s rematch vs. Makhachev
8:10 Sizing up Volkanovski
10:42 Volk’s short turnaround
#UFC298 #Volkanovski #Topuria
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It is so funny to see how people get provoced by Ilia and hate him without a reason. He is not disrespectful, he never attacked Alex personally. He keeps it to the fight.
Are you braindeas he is literally overlooking a champ and acting as if he already has won the fight.
The IG move with the ahead 15-0 🌹 was a stupid move by Ilia in my opinion.
@@antoniozs6616 But that's just business, he does it bc he wants people to talk about him and he is doing it pretty well
@@EscobeatsSo?
So? So the OP said that he isn't disrespectful when that is in fact disrespectful and hes given reasons for people to hate him. Durrrrr. @@Tyler-if1zd
Topuria didn't use a single cuss word never attacked Volk's personal life or anything like that he is only hyping the fight and marketing himself idk how u all can be so soft to get triggered for this.
People can't stand when someone has actual confidence and says what they feel
They don’t wanna see an European champion
@@thecat7105 💯💯💯
He’s doing a good job 👍
Volk fans can’t cope
All these people who clowning him and calling him arrogant would jump ship faster than light if he gets it done
I will hate this smirking snake until his last fight in the UFC he is my most disliked fighter and its not even close
Maybe you. Dont generalize everyone. Some of us like Volk for who he is. Not for his title.
He's confident and it's interesting...that's it 😂 there will always be haters /losers
@@MellowStreams cocky and unproven
The way he conducts himself is not someone you should idolise lol just like mcgregor isn't.
Same thing with McGregor and loads of fighters...the fans are trash no point taking the opinions of them 😂
Translation is poor. At 9:14, the translation is not "I'm going to open spaces that I will be able to take advantage of"
The right translation is: "I will force him to open spaces and I will punch him in ways he doesn't even know is possible to punch"
Saludos desde Burgos
🥶
Cold
The translation is correct, delivers the same message but professionally.
💪🏻
It's not poor, you just prefer violent language cus it helps you release aggression. Be honest amigo😅
The confidence is crazy. He’s either gonna be a star, or get embarrassed by the outcome. Great fight, love both guys.
Playing a very dangerous game but the payoff if he does it will be immense.
Even if he looses, he won’t be embarrassed like others, he’s still exciting, still a killer and very young, but will be a good humbling experience for sure..
Imagine this is Conor 2.0 lmao
Ilia will be what Conor is to Ireland to Spain
Big risk big reward.
Nah...conor was special. This guy isnt special like that. He could be a champ someday though. @@n1troz_
Is it my imagination, or is this fight now one of the most anticipated in recent memory because of its immense competitive nature and the promise of off the chart skills.
Charles vs Islam was most anticipated IMO. The hype and speculation these days were unreal.
@@user-lo5vf5mt5dno
@@user-lo5vf5mt5dilia is undefeated and young. A new star. Olivera lost many times.
this is the first potential goat vs next generation match up it’s like gsp hendrix,jones reyes,Aldo vs Max
@user-lo5vf5mt5d well it was agreed and when we talk about recently this is the one
Haven’t seen rising featherweight this confident since Artem Lobov
Connor?😂
Artem owns connor @@causeofdeath5592
🤣🤣🤣🤌🤌
Go watch volk, kamarus, ddp etc story, they had the same confidence.
offcourse the goat artem is confident, he is undefeated
What people don't realise here, is both IIia and Anik, are in fact standing.
standing on ladders 😂
Ilia will ko Volk inside 1 round 😢
Topuria is taller than volk u clown
Standing on their money.
Ha
As an Aussie and Volk fan, I hate to admit this interview has made me like Ilia. Surprisingly respectful but confident.
Finally he made a decent one . He was getting too cocky and many of us ( Spanish fans) Started to dislike some of his speeches. He always respected Volk in a way where he didnt mention anything related with family, country, religion or things like that but he cross the line somehow. Still a good guy
Ilias english is still developing. That's why he repeated same things a lot to hype the fight. In spanish he is very fluid and articulate and he seems even more humble, serious and respectfull. Cocky and confident too of course but different.
Already getting ready to jump ship
It’s called Manifestation and patterning. Do not be surprised if he dominates Volk. This is not delusion on Topuria’s part. The man genuinely believes he’s going to do what he says. It isn’t for clout. Whether or not he does it is another question but a man with this level of confidence is the most dangerous
this guy knows
Everyone has infinite confidence until they get a reality check
not true allot of people have facade confidence they dnt believe it they just do it cus they think thats what they are supposed to do ...@@AT-qu2bz
@@AT-qu2bzwe gonna have to find out
Yeah and when he's getting his face punched in at warp speed reality will set in and he'll lose that "cool" This dude is not nearly as good as he tries to portray himself. Volk is going to expose him. I remember all this talk before the Yair fight too "this one is different" 🤣 Yeah okay, thanks for the free money.
Not only a professional af fighter but also human - respect bruv
At his age Illia is definitely a future champ even if he losses on his first attempt
This guy is the perfect bond villain
This guy is define a superstar. And his stardom took almost everyone by surprise. He looks cool, behaves cool. It's amazing.
If topuria can win this, it would be huge for him and Spanish MMA
Georgian mma aswell afterall he is georgian
@@niconicoo5661You can only have one fighter on this card win
How did you work that out you absolute genius 🤣
Or German MMA...or Georgian MMA.
Europe mma all together
Ilia improved also his english! so happy for him, it’s important to transmit confidence when you are making interviews in a foreign language
Respect to Ilia, mans super confident but respectful as well, champion caliber fighter 🔥
sike
Dork@@sainttrunks1982
@@sainttrunks1982 u must be feeling dumb rn 😂
This is a very composed and focused individual. A dangerous guy. Even if he loses this fight, I still see his path leading to the FW title within the next year or so 💯
Very confident, and backed it up. He's just playing the game, even if the film was a bit to much of a stretch. Volk fan but can't wait for this one 👌🏻
Is going to be a good one
Alex is my favorite champ. Im spanish. Im ok with Volk winning but it needs to be a war and Ilia needs to be the next champ❤
Let’s go my homeboy ilia 🇬🇪 🇪🇸 I like Volk have much respect for Volk but I have to support ilia ❤️🫶
Anik crushed him with "who has been your toughest fight?"
"You don't have to answer that."😅😂
Yeah because it’s gonna be Volk, he fought cans so far. It’s either Volk will embrass him badly that dude mutes comments or he stands on his own .
@@LaForce1notdoneCasual lol he’s gonna knock out volk
@@veluta2549 nothing is guaranteed in this sport
@@LaForce1notdoneuseless hyperbole josh, Bryce, Ryan are not cans
@@LaForce1notdone before fighting them they werent cans, they became cans after Topuria :) We know your speech.
Sending all the best wishes to Ilia Topuria, as well as to both Georgia and Spain! 🇬🇪❤️🇪🇸 May his journey in the UFC bring pride and joy to both nations, showcasing the incredible talent and spirit that transcends borders. Good luck to Ilia and may he continue to inspire and unite fans around the world!
Jon Anik is such a chill interviewer man
Love the one on one interviews before the fight❤
Audio quality is really up the creek with this interview...
Man he wore the same outfit on the last conference, he is like a videogame character
Jon you are the best, Cheers from Georgia
You see that, Ilia is very respectful to Volk
It was a great Interview!
If he's pulls it off it will be one for the ages being tho as he called his shot and volk being who he is could be legendary
Jon Anik!!!! Let’s go!!!
Calm down
I don’t understand, please translate to English 😂.
@@DonOrFinitocalm ur mom down
BOT!
@@tyler4661 ohhhh!!!!!!
Venga España! Un abrazo de Mallorca!
I rate Volk as one of the best to ever do it but I have a feeling Ilia is the new king in this division. And new
You were right!
Ilia has a great personality
25 seconds into the interview and Anik is capping. The Leech is the best dressed fighter for sure.
nah
Imagine making a fan account on Henry Cejudo of all people.
@@dusan550hes a legend
@@pronto7362 imagine being a man and making an account of another man
Ilia looks like a straight killer. And he performs like one. Can’t wait for this fight
Anik is very well spoken. I need someone like Anik to help my company
The part when ilia said "I think I'm better than volk everywhere" and anik asked "who was your hardest opponent?" 😂
"It's okay don't need to answer"
Good interview. 👌🏽
Vamos Ilia🇪🇦 Tienes el apoyo de toda España y Georgia
Pero eres china
buena suerte desde alemania ! :)
@@rrai- Que tiene que ver eso...🤔
@@pantelemoni1 todo
Aupa!!!
Jon ANik, youre the best man! Great interview
Ok Ilia I am very exited now to see your unique strategy for the fight
They had to use Jon instead of Megan bc she'd be dripping wet the whole time
How do you know Jon isn't?
i can't believe that ooompa looompa bagged her😂😂
@@Ktmfan450Hahahahahaha
That’s some 14 year old high schooler comment if I’ve ever seen one
@@Ktmfan450 Jon knows how to hide a stiffy better than anyone
This fight is a super fight!
Been waiting for this👏🏾
Ilia looks like he could be a Bond villain fr. Like a high-ranking member of Spectre or something.
Topuria🙏🏿🇬🇪🇪🇸🇩🇪
The funniest thing I’ve heard in years is Jon being fashion blind enough to say Kamaru usman was the best dressed guy in the ufc😂
Dude was iconic
Kamaru Usman was exceptionally well dressed. Just because you don't like it, that's a you problem.
Sounds like you need to get outta the closet.
@@1994mrmysteryman Any man who wears leopard print is a curse to the wardrobe 😂
@@Pandemomium4Life dude exactly! Hired some goofy stylist from Zoolander and said make me look cool 😂😂😂
Both are class act fighters ,no disrespect to each other,time for a new champ but volk is the man right now,volk is legend already.
Both Fighters are legit and talented. this fight can go 50/50.
Ilia looks like if connor McGregor did the fusion dance with max Holloway and they sprinkled in a little Robert deniro lip flexing here and there
Those are some extreme circumstances but sure 🤷
@@Sparky-if9snhh
@@user-vi9zm5ss4fCalling someone casual for no reason makes you more casual. He is just bringing a perception of Ilia haha.
Going to be a really good fight.
HIS ENGLISH IS SPOT ON. AND HE IS DEFINATELY A WORLD CLASS FIGHTER..
you can say what ever u want but its because of him that alot of ppl want to see the fight and when he will win the 17th ppl will realise how good this guy is 😉🌹
Topuria 🎖️ Battle Born ⚔️
This is the most nervous i got for a Volkanovski's fights in the FW division.
Don't remember seeing him fight ever. Had to go back just to see some footage. If he gets an event in Spain that would be tops. And something to remember
Yeah man I would come all the way from Germany
This fight is gonna be a banger 2 highly confident fighters
Jon: How are you feeling today?
Ilia: I am feel, I'm very feel😂
Congrats to Volk on his 4th child! Can’t wait to see the look on his face when he brings home his first son 🙌
Yeah hopefully illia likes grandpa islam….29-0 khabib the goat
Illia is dilusional
???@@goofygoof212
@@goofygoof212khabib cant be the GOAT, his victories were like in boxing, pure cans in Rusia
Talk when volk gets sleeped
is this the first Virtual reality UFC interview ? i can see them both with headsets on just standing there 😂
This is gunna be a banger honestly no idea who to pick.
Can you imagine how insane it would be if he finishes Volk in the first round, with a head kick?
In Australia we would say this kid looks like a sleezy car salesman or real estate agent 😂 let's go Volk 💪
Definite Real Estate agent living on borrowed money with a large cocaine habit
Volk dresses like a 16 year old. Stop it
@@Giorginho he wears a pretty nice belt though
@@sentolt7460damn bro you just unbuckled that belt and did TRICKS ON it
@@Giorginhobros 40 wearing palm angels
Jon is such a great interviewer.
Why are they sat so close?
Both are 5 foot 2.
They love each other 🧔🏻♂️👨🏽🦲
So they fit the frame
HAJAJAJAJAJAJ
mma media guys feel left out unless they get to do some kind of face-off
Ilia Topuria is the best.
Great interview
Good for him. Nothing wrong the confidence and nothing wrong with what he is doing. We all love Topuria fights, you cant deny that and if he wins he has set himself up to be a super star.
I'm a volk fan but respect to Illia his confidence is awesome we're gonna have a great fight. Awesome to see Spain fans explode in ufc let's go!! 💪🙏
The better man shall win. Greetings from Spain to the mighty Australia!!!! Let's f goooooo🎉🎉🎉
Finally a fighter speaking proper Spanish the way it was designed to be spoken.
Ilia is very classy fighter
His Spanish is not that good, and I'm a native speaker
cubans, puerto ricans and dominicans butcher the spanish language😂
What do you mean finally?
Can you elaborate more further who you’re referring to?
@jorrba3934
You know some of these guys their Spanish is as bad as their English
Very disheartening for Native English speakers who yearn to learn Spanish
@@draco2xxhow do you feel about Mexicans speaking Spanish?
Jon Anik is such a good interviewer
One of my favorite fighters to watch. Tough , hard hitter and a phenomenal boxer. His and Leon Edwards are fighting styles I could see myself having if I were a UFC fighter. With that said I'm a big volk fan so I'm torn on this. Excited for Saturday!!!
“Tough, hard, hitter, and a phenomenal boxer.” He started as a Greco Roman wrestler and a jiu jitsu player and has more submissions than knockouts.
@@orthodoxboxing9159 i didn't know that. That's good to know
@@drebr9721😊
topuria doesnt get enough credit and hes a classy guy he's right ryan hall was the most ducked guy in the featherweight division, he takes a super short notice fight against a 6'1 lightweight, he almost fought masorv but masorv ended up pulling out. don't get how you can hate on him honestly he's confident and respects volk a lot but he for sure has something to prove I love volk but this could be a difficult task.
If dude was so good he would have fought Max Holloway who is clearly the real number 2 of the division
@@IFAMILYIHits clear the UFC didnt want him to fight Holloway yet. If he wins the title, he will definately fight Holloway. Holloway is a gatekeeper.
@@IFAMILYIH And he said he would fight Max after the Emmet fight but only in Spain😄🤷🏻♂️
@@IFAMILYIH topuria wanted max fight in spain so what is your point and what he was supposed to do f the belt leta wait max?
Ryan Hall wasn't ducked, he cherry picked his opponents. Topuria was one of those that went wrong.
Did they really just post this at 215 in the morning
I think it's more normal in Europe
Bro doesn't know the concept of time zones
Dude thinks He is the Main Charakter. Whos telling him that hes not the Center of the World?
@@scoobertdoobert3373he’s American, does it really surprise you?
Hehe
This interview must have been filmed last month. Anik said "in February" as if it's not February right now.
He’s just turned 27 he’s still so young
You know you're over confident when you think you can wear a turtle neck, without being an 80's Bond villian.
It looks pretty decent tho
I just know your American
Turtle necks are class.
Or maybe that's just how the man likes to dress, you retards read into stuff too much.
@@jfc5246 Australian. I assumed you were since you don't know the difference between "you're" and "your"
Rooting for Topuria 💪
U cant convince me that thumbnail isnt Kenny Forian
The interview champion is the house!
9:54 believe conceive achieve
Illia has lost his damned mind if he thinks he’s going to walk through Volk. Reminds me of Katar’s first fight after his loss to Max. Everyone doubted him on the comeback.
Yeah but kattar had 13 months off, Volk has 3
Illia....is.....that....guy.
@@dominiceliakim4617 So is Volk, he's still the guy.
Ilia hasn't fought anyone that will be competing for a title and skipped the line to the title shot. This isn't good for the sport because it makes so the guys who are up and coming can study for guys like Volk without facing the killers of the division. Topuria probably has a gameplan that was tailored for him long ago to beat Volk. Will it work? Who knows until we see the fight.
I love when people say this.
You absolutely *need* that level of delusion to make it big. It may seem foolish to the fans, but good luck achieving hypersuccess without the disconnect required for it.
One thing about the fight game. Anything can happen!
PURE CLASS
Volk is gonna school that little boy.
Yeah sure, Volk is a giant 😅😂
@@CharlieSquall- comprehension level: 0
@@20xx66 topuria Gonna knock him out joputa
@@CharlieSquall Volk is a fighter, a champ who cleared out the division. Topuria beat Bryce, and a bunch of older guys.
@@20xx66 calla anda tolete
Have a strange feeling Topuria has this
that strange feeling is just me becoming your stepdad
@@cameronfisher93😂
Good luck to Ilya. New, good fighter.
His mind is on another level, the winner level.
I want tuporia to win in 298 so we can get the rematch . The rematch will be bigger than this fight🎉
Volk losing two in a row diminishes Topuria's accomplishment.
@@madgavin7568 no volk is not in 2 fight losing streak he lost ufc 294 but before he beat yair Rodriguez in ufc 290 .
@@moonlightcreation5091 Volk would lose two in a row if Topuria beats him.
@@madgavin7568 ooo silly me i misunderstood it. U are right
It's not confidence,it's arrogance when you think you can walk through an all time great.
Conor had the same aura when fighting Aldo but his previous wins were highly credible.
was mendes and porier highly credible?
@@ItsameAlex They are compared to Emmett and Bryce Mitchel.
It's also the manner in which Conor was dispatching guys.
McGregor was pompous himself but like you said, he backed it up in previous fights.
@@madgavin7568 Topuria was also nearly finished by Jai.
So, u r saying that if u face someone better than you, your mentality is that you are going to lose ? What a mentality of failures hidden behind humility.
This man is very mind focus.
So impressive how disciplined topuria is.
Guys go to sleep!
Your girl won’t let me.
@HodgeFam while you're in bed alone 🤣
@@HodgeFamhis mom is even worse.
Not everyone lives in the states lmao
@@Locusto199 You sound jealous 😌
I remember when Jose Aldo use to be a champ for a long time then time catch up to him, I feel like volks time is coming to end this Saturday🤷🏻♂️
Win or loose you know he’s gonna fight hard so he might be embarrassed might have some trolls and be hurt as a fighter if he looses but will have respect
Ilia McGregor! Loving the confidence. I'd be happy if either man won, and I'm hoping it's at least 15 mins+ of war over a flash knockout or quick sub.
I want Ilia first to be humbled by Volk, then follow a redemption journey and get the belt after 1-2 years.
Lol
Why is this guy jumping back and forth. His English is fine
I don't know about spanish, but in georgian he's very well spoken, much much better than in english. So he can speak english, but he can't express himself well
He might not be able to respond as fast in English during trash talk.
Partly marketing maybe and partly not being able to express himself fully in English
He speaks english well but sometimes is very difficult to express certain things in english. I'm spanish and it also happens to me
@@Rmifaabsbb1his spanish is good
I love Ilia, dude is a beast !
Ilia Topuria inspires me to be the best version of myself ever ⭐️
bring the belt to Spain and Georgia 😊🇪🇦💪