Ilia Topuria has beat Alexander Volkanovksi again ahead of their potential UFC rematch.
‘El Matador’ became the featherweight champion by knocking out Volkanovski at UFC 298 last Febuary.
Since then, Topuria has stopped Max Holloway to cement himself as the best 145lb fighter in MMA.
A rematch between Ilia Topuria and Alex Volkanvovski is believed to be in the works for later this year – but first the two rivals came together to coach in opposite corners during the UFC 312 undercard.
Aleksandre Topuria outpoints Colby Thicknesse
Aleksandre Topuria, who at 29 is one year older than his famous brother, entered the UFC with a 5-1 record.
Colby Thicknesse had won seven straight fights since turning pro – but he only had two weeks notice for his promotional debut at UFC 312.
It was a tentative start from the bantamweight prospects before their fight burst into life with one shot.
Topuria shook Thicknesse down to his boots with a massive overhand right that allowed him to get to work with grappling, which he showed off by suxplexing his opponent to the floor at the very end of round one.
UFC commentators Daniel Cormier, Jon Anik, and Joe Rogan’s replacement, Michael Bisping were unmpressed during the second round, which for the most part, lacked meaningful attacks from both sides.
Thicknesse landed a big punch and attacked with submissions from his back – but for the majority of round three he was dominated on the floor by Topuria, who had a clear advantage in the wrestling department.
Ulimately, it was enough to earn him unaminous 30-27 scorecards from the three cageside judges.
Aleksandre Topuria reacts to his UFC 312 win
Topuria kept it classy during his post-fight interview with Cormier as he paid homage to his opponent.
“Colby has shown he’s a great fighter, he’s a great rival,” he said.
“I think that this guy deserves a UFC contract.”
The 6-1 star went on to explain his game plan and how he approached debuting in the Octagon.
Topuria added: “Strategy is good, but you know that sometimes one punch can change everything.
“I’m a mixed martial arts fighter, not a boxer. Sometimes striking, sometimes there is wrestling.
“For that reason, today we had to be able to be prepared for any scenario. I’m ready for every scenario.
“With all my respect, he said, ‘I’ll take him into deep water’. As you can you see, in the [end] who was in the deep water.”