Ilia Topuria’s coach advises Alexander Volkanovski to take a tuneup fight before rematching ‘El Matador’
Ilia Topuria’s coach Jorge Climent has given his thoughts on Alexander Volkanovski getting a rematch for the title.
Just a few weeks ago, Ilia Topuria knocked out Alexander Volkanovski to become the new UFC featherweight champion. In doing so, he brought an end to the Australian’s incredible reign as the king at 145 pounds.
Moving forward, many have questioned what the next step will be for both men. Volkanovski has now been knocked out in two straight fights, whereas Topuria is suddenly one of the biggest stars in the sport.
In the eyes of the aforementioned Jorge Climent, ‘The Great’ should take some time away from the title picture.
The Volkanovski question
“I do believe that Volkanovski deserves a rematch for everything he’s done in this sport, plus the short-notice fight he took,” Climent told MMA Junkie in Spanish. “However, if I were his team or his friend, I’d tell him, ‘Look, relax. Go get another fight to get back on your feet, go feel good again, win, and then we go after him.’ That would be the smartest thing he could do. And again, if I were his friend, that’s what I’d recommend him.”
“Of course Volkanovski deserves it, but I would find it unfair,” Climent explained. “He’s coming off two defeats, and I don’t see him recovered enough to go for the immediate rematch. That’s why, if I were his friend, I’d tell him, ‘Take it easy, go do another fight, get your confidence back up, and we’ll do it again.’”
Quotes via MMA Junkie
Do you agree with this assessment? What is the smartest course of action for Alexander Volkanovski at this point in his career? Let us know, BJPENN Nation!
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Topics:
Alex Volkanovski Ilia Topuria UFC
