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Fans praised Ilia Topuria for a wholesome social media interaction with Alexander Volkanovski.
On Feb. 17, the UFC featherweight started a new chapter due to the UFC 298 main event, where the undefeated Topuria backed up his massive promises by dethroning Volkanovski with a second-round knockout.
Topuria didn't shy away from insults and trash talk during the buildup for UFC 298. Having said that, the reigning 145-pound world champion has since voiced his respect for Volkanovski, including a recent exchange on social media.
Volkanovski is known for his cooking content, labeled as 'Cookin With Volk.' Topuria took to the comment section of his former opponent's post and started the following wholesome conversation.
Check out the exchange between Ilia Topuria and Alexander Volkanovski below:
The friendly exchange between Alexander Volkanovski and Ilia Topuria was re-posted on Instagram by ESPN, leading to the following fan reactions:
"Ilia is putting us on a roller coaster of emotion... Do we like the guy or we don't 😂"
"These interactions > fake beef/everyone trying to be the next Conor"
"Ilia does all bad things just to sell the fight. Deep down he's a genuinely a nice person."
"I like this. Good on Ilia."
Check out more fan comments below:
Path to rematch between Ilia Topuria and Alexander Volkanovski
At 36 years old, Alexander Volkanovski has plenty of doubters to prove on his way back to the UFC featherweight title. Following a 12-0 promotional start, including three wins against the legendary Max Holloway, Volkanovski has endured a rough chapter of his fighting career due to back-to-back knockout losses.
Meanwhile, Ilia Topuria is scheduled for another legacy-defining matchup for his first title defense. On Oct. 26, Topuria will face Holloway in the UFC 308 main event, which goes down in Abu Dhabi. Holloway is an undeniable wave of momentum after securing a historic knockout against Justin Gaethje last time out.
Volkanovski will likely have to defeat one top contender before earning a rematch against Topuria. Therefore, 'The Great' could secure a second meeting against the featherweight king in the first half of 2025, assuming they both win their next out.
