Jakarta, CNN Indonesia —
Ilia Topuria officially becomes the new UFC featherweight champion after winning by knockout in the second round Alexander Volkanovski on UFC 298 in Anaheim, California, United States, Sunday (18/2) afternoon WIB.
Topuria targeted Vokanovski’s leg early in the first round. The kick to the leg seemed to make Volkanovski wobble.
The pressure exerted by Topuria made it difficult for Volkanovski, who was favored to win, even though he was occasionally able to throw punches in. Volkanovski’s attacks began to intensify towards the end of the first round by releasing kicks.
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Volkanovski also fought at close range in the final 30 seconds. He fired a kick using his knee which hit Topuria’s face.
Topuria threw a punch that hit Volkanovski in the face in the second round. However, Volkanovski was able to remain calm.
Some of Volkanovski’s punches even landed smoothly on Volkanovski’s face.
Topuria got her moment in the middle of the second round with close range attacks. A barrage of attacks and a right jab that landed decisively sent Volkanovski flying.
Topuria tried to carry out additional attacks but the referee decided to stop the match when the second round had run 3 minutes 22 seconds.
[Gambas:Video CNN]
(jal/rhr)