Ilia Topuria makes bold Alexander Volkanovski claim after dominating Josh Emmett
Ilia Topuria has claimed he can beat Alexander Volkanovski ‘wherever we go’, as he eyes a shot at the UFC featherweight champion. Topuria dominated Josh Emmett in a Fight Night main event on Saturday, outpointing the American veteran before expressing his desire to fight for the title next. And the German-born Georgian, who fights out of Spain, reiterated that demand on Monday, while speaking on The MMA Hour. When asked if he would accept a fight with Volkanovski on the Australian’s home turf, the 26-year-old said: “No f****** problem. If I think I’m the best in the world, I can beat him in Australia, in Las Vegas, in Miami, in Spain – wherever we go, I beat him. Location is no problem. “Right now, I’m really focused on getting that championship belt. I want to get that title fight, which I know that I deserve. But if they come out with some offer to go to Spain and make a fight in Spain with [former champion] Max Holloway maybe... because if they told me to go to Spain to fight someone unknown, I’m not going to [accept] that fight, because I want to go for that belt. “But if they come out and they told me, ‘We want to take the UFC to Spain and you’re going to fight with Max Holloway,’ I will say, ‘Hell yes, let’s go, let’s do it.’ I want to fight in front of my people.” Volkanovski is due to defend his title against interim champion Yair Rodriguez in July, with the winner of that fight potentially next for Topuria, although Holloway stayed in the mix at featherweight by outpointing Arnold Allen in April. The Hawaiian also has a fight scheduled – a clash with the “Korean Zombie” Chan Sung Jung in September. “Like I said, one of the best skills I have is patience,” Topuria added. “I can wait. I’m young, I’m 26 years old, I enjoy life. I’m happy with everything I have, so I can wait. I didn’t rush for anything. No problem. “It doesn’t matter for me. I have the goal, which is to become the world champion, and if I have to wait, I’ll wait my whole life. Why am I not going to wait like six more months or something like that? I’m going to wait.” Click here to subscribe to The Independent’s Sport YouTube channel for all the latest sports videos. Read More Ilia Topuria: UFC’s rising star has a question for you UFC fan favourite Max Holloway to return with ‘Korean Zombie’ fight in Singapore Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg ‘dead serious’ about cage fight, says UFC boss
2023-06-27 18:28
Arsenal close to Jurrien Timber deal after Ajax lower asking price
Arsenal are closing in on the signing of Jurrien Timber after Ajax agreed to lower their asking price to €50m. The Gunners' most recent offer is worth €48m.
2023-06-27 18:25
Do you know Wimbledon? Try the AP’s quiz about the grass-court Grand Slam tournament
How much do you know about Wimbledon
2023-06-27 18:00
Why a Takesufa Kubo transfer could be worth €30m to Real Madrid
Why Real Madrid could make a huge profit if Real Sociedad sell winger Takefusa Kubo this summer.
2023-06-27 17:50
Dillian Whyte reveals why Anthony Joshua rematch is being delayed
Dillian Whyte has claimed that a rematch clause is holding up a potential summer clash with Anthony Joshua, as talks between the Britons’ teams continue. Eddie Hearn, who promotes both heavyweights, suggested last week that the planned 12 August bout would not go ahead, citing Whyte’s financial demands as the reason for the fight collapsing. However, Whyte has hinted that negotiations are ongoing. The 35-year-old, who beat Joshua in the amateurs but was knocked out by “AJ” in a 2015 professional bout, told Talksport: “It’s like this, [Hearn] said, ‘We’re gonna send a simple contract,’ and then they sent a very complicated contract with a lot of hoops and a lot of hooks to hook me in. “I don’t want that, I just want a simple contract, simple fight, winner moves on and has a big fight in Saudi Arabia. This fight for me is about the opportunity, it’s not about the money; that’s why I’m taking the fight for the money they’ve offered me. “But now they’re trying to put a rematch clause in there that ties me up for a year and messes everything up. I’m not interested in that. I just want a straightforward fight, winner moves on, that’s it. “What I don’t like is: Eddie’s out there talking nonsense; ‘Oh, we’ve got two other guys waiting to go.’ Mate, no one cares, just shut up. No one cares about who you’ve got ready to go. “It’s a proper fight, let’s get the fight made, stop talking about all these back-up plans.” Joshua has been in talks over a December fight with Deontay Wilder in Saudi Arabia, but Whyte’s comments suggest that the “Bodysnatcher” would want to take Joshua’s place in that contest if he were to overcome AJ. Whyte last fought in November, narrowly outpointing Jermaine Franklin, who was also beaten on points by Joshua in April. Click here to subscribe to The Independent’s Sport YouTube channel for all the latest sports videos. Read More Dillian Whyte responds to claims he ‘turned down’ Anthony Joshua fight Carl Froch criticises Tyson Fury legacy — and outlines what he needs to become ‘the best of a generation’ The Independent’s pound-for-pound boxing rankings
2023-06-27 17:39
Ryan Mason to remain at Tottenham in assistant coach role under Ange Postecoglou
Tottenham have announced Ange Postecoglou’s coaching staff with Ryan Mason staying on at the club in an assistant coach capacity. Former Spurs midfielder Mason took charge of the final six matches of the 2022-23 campaign, but doubts were cast over his long-term future. Mason, 32, repeatedly stated his readiness for management during his second interim stint with his old side. However, the once-capped England international will remain at Tottenham as part of Postecoglou’s backroom set-up. Spurs have also recruited a number of other coaches to work with their new manager with Chris Davies, formerly Brendan Rodgers’ assistant at Leicester, named as senior assistant coach. Former Crystal Palace and Australia midfielder Mile Jedinak will begin work with Tottenham on July 1 as an assistant coach and Matt Wells, who returned to the club to help Mason during his interim spell, will remain involved in the first-team set-up. Rob Burch makes a return to Spurs as goalkeeper coach following spells with Fulham and Bournemouth. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live
2023-06-27 17:23
Rob Holding opens up on Arsenal's collapse at Liverpool
Arsenal defender Rob Holding has claimed Liverpool have the 'craziest' fans in the Premier League and has opened up on the Gunners' 2-2 draw at Anfield in April.
2023-06-27 17:05
La Liga fixtures: 2023/24 season
The full fixture list for the 2023/24 La Liga season. Barcelona are the defending champions after winning their 27th league title during 2022/23, beating Real Madrid by 10 points.
2023-06-27 17:00
Ahmedabad to host 1st game and final at cricket World Cup, as well as India against Pakistan
Archrivals India and Pakistan will play the marquee league match of the cricket World Cup in Ahmedabad
2023-06-27 16:49
Ange Postecoglou pushing for Tottenham to complete James Maddison deal
Tottenham Hotspur are progressing in talks to sign James Maddison from Leicester City, with Ange Postecoglou desperate to bring in the England midfielder.
2023-06-27 16:45
Pakistan drawn to play in India in Cricket World Cup
India will host Pakistan's cricket team for the first time in seven years in the 50-over World Cup in October, the...
2023-06-27 16:23
Football transfer rumours: Liverpool & Man Utd to make Osimhen bids; Caicedo agrees Chelsea move
Tuesday's transfer rumour roundup features news on Liverpool and Man Utd's interest in Victor Osimhen, Chelsea's move for Moises Caicedo, Bayern Munich returning for Harry Kane and more.
2023-06-27 16:05
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