The recent UFC event, UFC Freedom 250, has left the MMA world in awe, with Joe Rogan declaring Justin Gaethje's victory over Ilia Topuria as the greatest fight he has ever witnessed. However, this opinion is not shared by all, as Australian UFC champion Alex Volkanovski believes that Gaethje would lose if the two fought again. This article delves into the implications of this controversial opinion and explores the broader context of the fight.
The Fight and Its Aftermath
The main event of UFC Freedom 250 was a lightweight blockbuster between Justin Gaethje and Ilia Topuria. Gaethje emerged victorious, battering Topuria and forcing a fourth-round corner stoppage on the White House lawn. This victory was a stunning upset, with Gaethje being a 6-1 underdog in many books. The fight was an instant classic, with both men having their moments, and Topuria was left battered, bloodied, and hospitalised after suffering the first loss of his UFC career.
Rogan's praise for the fight was effusive, declaring it the greatest night of fights of all time and the only night in the history of the sport where every single fight ended by knockout. He was particularly blown away by the main event, calling it the greatest fight of all time.
Topuria's Rematch Demand
As the praise continues to pour in for the White House slobberknocker, Topuria is already focused on revenge. According to his close friend, the Spaniard has called for an immediate rematch with Gaethje and is pushing for the UFC to take the blockbuster showdown to Spain. Topuria's determination to avenge his loss is a testament to his resilience and desire to prove himself.
Volkanovski's Analysis
Volkanovski, a former rival of Topuria, was cageside on Sunday and admitted he was stunned to see his former rival suffer the first defeat of his UFC career. He offered a nuanced analysis of the fight, pointing to a combination of factors that contributed to Topuria's loss. Volkanovski believes that Topuria's aggression and risk-taking early in the fight led to him taking damage and accumulating damage over the course of the fight.
Makhachev's Title Defense
While Topuria appears focused on securing a rematch with Gaethje, one dream fight seems to have slipped out of reach. The UFC has confirmed that reigning welterweight champ Islam Makhachev will defend his crown against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330, effectively shelving any prospect of a blockbuster showdown with Topuria in the near future.
Conclusion
The UFC Freedom 250 event has left a lasting impression on the MMA world, with Rogan's declaration of the fight as the greatest of all time. However, Volkanovski's opinion that Gaethje would lose if the two fought again adds a layer of complexity to the discussion. The rematch between Gaethje and Topuria is a highly anticipated event, and the outcome will no doubt shape the future of the lightweight division. The UFC's decision to shelve the Makhachev-Topuria showdown for the time being is a strategic move that will no doubt be closely watched by fans and fighters alike.
