"Don't stay there" - When inch-perfect corner advice between rounds helped Ilia Topuria knock Alexander Volkanovski out

Ilia Topuria notably received spot-on advice from his corner during his high-stakes UFC featherweight championship showdown against Alexander Volkanovski. His older brother, Aleksandre Topuria, particularly provided him with valuable insight that helped him knock the legendary Volkanovski out.

Ilia's most recent fight witnessed him dethrone Volkanovski via second-round KO to become the new UFC featherweight champion at UFC 298 in February 2024. Presently, 'El Matador' is scheduled to defend his title against former UFC featherweight champion and current BMF champion Max Holloway at UFC 308 on Oct. 26, 2024. Holloway's BMF title won't be at stake.

Watch Ilia Topuria's fight against Alexander Volkanovski below:

The UFC's official YouTube channel has put forth the UFC 308 Countdown episode for the Topuria-Holloway matchup. It showed elements from both fighters' personal lives and training, including Topuria's victory over Alexander Volkanovski.

Shedding light on how his brother, fellow UFC fighter Aleksandre Topuria, helped him against Volkanovski, Ilia stated:

"After the first round, when I went to the corner, my brother told me, 'Work on the counter on his jab.'"

Speaking of the corner instructions given to Ilia by his brother Aleksandre, the translated version reads as follows:

"His left arm is set quite low. He puts his left arm here. Once you start, cut his distance a bit if it is possible. Continue with your right arm, return to your initial position. Don't stay there."

Ilia recalled:

"The second round, he started to slow down a little bit."

Ilia's brother appeared to shout additional instructions while octagon-side during the second round, asserting:

"When he moves towards you, add more pressure, Ilia."

Revisiting those moments, Ilia added:

"He threw me a jab; I did a four-punch combination. Like, one, two, three, four -- boom ... Game over, my friend. It's game over."

Watch highlights from the sequence and Topuria's account of it below:

Watch the UFC 308 Countdown for Topuria vs. Holloway below (*Ilia Topuria's comments on his brother's contribution to his win over Volkanovski at 8:18):

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Ilia Topuria and Aleksandre Topuria address UFC 308 fight against Max Holloway

Elsewhere during the UFC 308 Countdown episode, Ilia Topuria spoke about recently moving from Alicante to Madrid. The Georgian-Spaniard showcased the advanced training facility/gym he's set up at his residence, further indicating that he's got a great team who scientifically prepare for his fights.

Explaining how his older brother Aleksandre has long been one of the most important members of his team, Topuria said:

"At this point, my brother is like my head coach. He was part of, basically, all my training camps. He's been every time in the backstage with me. So he knows everything about the game." [24:48-minute mark of the aforementioned video]

Furthermore, the 28-year-old Aleksandre Topuria (5-1 MMA) lauded Ilia Topuria for his continued evolution, which he deemed the best part of 'El Matador.' He implied that Ilia isn't resting on his laurels after winning the title, but is "still learning."

Aleksandre seemingly acknowledged Max Holloway's greatness but believes in Ilia's skills, adding that Team Topuria will get the job done at UFC 308.