UFC featherweight challenger Ilia Topuria was caught red-handed wearing Alexander Volkanovski’s belt just as the champ walked in.
The undefeated contender appeared to be having a photoshoot with the UFC featherweight title when one of his teammates pointed out that there’s a ‘superstition’ about holding a world title belt before you’ve won it in the octagon.
Topuria dismissed superstition just like he has Alexander Volkanovski’s skills throughout fight week, explaining “That’s the difference between me” and other athletes, just as the current champ walked into the to catch Topuria red-handed (and gold-plated).
Topuria and Volkanovski exchange words over UFC belt photoshoot
Our best guess is that Topuria was having a photoshoot with the belt so that should he win on Saturday night to claim the title, the UFC can share images without any facial damage that he might otherwise suffer against Volkanovski at UFC 298.
Not only was the undefeated featherweight contender overjoyed with being snapped with UFC gold around his waist, but he also dismissed the notion that challengers should not touch the belt until Bruce Buffer announces, ‘And New!’
“[Normally people don’t touch it until they win it] That’s the difference between me and people. [Very good].”
It was at this moment when Alexander Volkanovski himself crashed the photoshoot, telling Topuria that he should “make the most” out of it whilst he can.
“May as well make the most of it yeah; it’s fight week, you may as well wear it now, wear it now, and take pictures now ‘cause you won’t have it after.”
Thankfully, the pair clearly understood that this was part of the promotional side of MMA, rather than as a devious McGregor-Aldo-esque stealing of the belt, shaking each other’s hand and laughing at the awkward moment.
Volkanovski then took the opportunity to size up Topuria’s physique, with the challenger noting that his body is feeling “sharp” ahead of the dreaded weight cut later this week.
Reactions to the video going viral online range from “Topuria truly all in on his confidence level,” and “if you believe in superstitions you’re manifesting fear, he’s fearless,” to “easily the most disrespectful thing I’ve seen a contender do.”
Can Topuria make good on his perfect record and near-perfect marketability to defeat Volkanovski at UFC 298? Catch the main event live from Anaheim this Saturday evening.