SUMMARY
- At UFC 298, Ilia Topuria defeated Alexander Volkanosvki with a massive punch in the face.
- In an interview, CM Punk reacted to the winner of Topuria vs. Volkanovski.
The Best in the World, CM Punk, has made a lot of headlines since returning to the WWE in November 2023. After hyping up the audience for another rollercoaster, Punk unfortunately caught up in the mix and got injured. He suffered the injury in his first televised match in almost 10 years. While WWE had huge plans for the 45-year-old, he is currently sidelined for an indefinite amount of time.
With Punk out of the WWE scene, he has been working on himself and aims to recover as soon as possible. With that, he is making several appearances and has talked about his condition in several interviews. He was a part of the broadcasting team at the WrestleMania XL Kickoff event alongside Big E, who is also on the verge of a possible return from injury.
The Best in the World made his presence known in the world of UFC once again as he was in attendance for UFC 298. After the event, he also gave an interview discussing his comeback and how he was supposed to main-event WrestleMania. Punk also talked about the highly competitive fight between Alexander Volkanovski and Ilia Topuria.
He praised Volkanovski for his efforts during the match but also stated that it was Topuria’s time and he deserved the win. Punk wasn’t shocked to see the result of the match and talked about it during the interview. “I’m not mad about the winner, you know, Topuria; it’s his time; he deserves it,” stated Punk. He further consoled Volkanovski and talked about how he is still a champion to him.
“My heart goes out to Alexander Volkanovski, to me he’s still a champion”
WWE superstar @CMPunk reacts after a blockbuster #UFC298 event and discusses his comeback from injury ✨
🎙️ @CarolinePearce pic.twitter.com/bEL5VbQNdS
— UFC on TNT Sports (@ufcontnt) February 18, 2024
“My heart goes out to Volkanovski right now ’cause I know he’s heartbroken….but that’s the fight game. My hats off to him for being such an active fighting champion,” stated Punk. He further also stated that “Volk, you know, to me, is still a champ.”
He was also asked about being a former UFC fighter himself and how things have changed. Punk called it a good relationship between fighters and wrestlers. He further talked about how UFC and WWE are now under the same company and that things have been good.
Ilia Topuria did the unthinkable by defeating Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298
Most admirers harbored a secret hope that Alexander Volkanovski would successfully defend the championship one more time. But Ilia Topuria’s hunger and tenacity proved to be too much for the Australian veteran, and he ultimately lost the title. After making five title defenses in the previous three years, the loss occurred.
It was inevitable that Volk’s time at the top would eventually come to an end, as he was 35 years old and approaching the end of his career. Amidst the barrage of blows, Ilia delivered one that made it through and instantly knocked Volkanovski unconscious.
All in all, Volk slumping over in a heap of unconsciousness made for a horrifying image, one that many believed they would never witness. However, Topuria fulfilled his word and accomplished exactly what he said he would. Despite the criticism that he is overconfident and a wannabe Conor McGregor, Ilia has shown his undeniability.
Other Superstars who were present at the UFC 298 in attendance
UFC 298 finished with the crowning of the organization’s new featherweight champion. Fans were treated to a stacked card at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California. And several celebrities attended to watch some highly anticipated fights.
#UFC298 pic.twitter.com/KKiJmZ0vMy
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) February 18, 2024
Apart from CM Punk, WWE Superstars and couple Montez Ford and Bianca Belair were also present in attendance. In addition to being present at UFC 298, CEO Mark Zuckerberg also cornered Alexander Volkanovski ahead of his matchup with Ilia Topuria.
