Alexander Volkanovski is standing firmly behind Ilia Topuria despite the Spaniard’s first professional defeat against Justin Gaethje.
Topuria lost his lightweight title fight to Gaethje by TKO after Round 4 on Sunday at the White House in Washington DC, with doctors stopping the bout following the fourth round. It was the first defeat of Topuria’s career, in a fight where he dropped and nearly finished Gaethje in Round 2.
Speaking on "The Ariel Helwani Show," the UFC featherweight champion made it clear he still backs Topuria in a potential second meeting.
"I think if Ilia fights the right fight, he will learn a lot from that," Volkanovski said. "I think Ilia wins the rematch, and that's no knock on Justin at all. Obviously Ilia was a favorite for a reason. If he doesn't rush as much, fights at a little better distance, and then does what he usually does, sets up nice traps, he'll eventually find him. Being so aggressive is sort of what cost him, I believe."
Volkanovski also praised Gaethje’s performance and the significance of his win.
"That's what's so good about the story, though, for Justin Gaethje. Look at his career, and it didn't look like he was going to ever actually feel the real undisputed belt, and then he goes, and massive underdog, White House, and then fights the perfect fight and gets the win. That's what adds to the story. I think that's incredible and good on him. I'm obviously a fan of both guys, and for Justin to do what he did, well done. That's incredible."
