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[gentle music] [seagulls cawing] >> Jon Anik: There is nothing quite like the buzz of a big city on fight night. We are in the Golden State and the world famous Octagon is open for business. [vehicles whooshing by] >> Narrator: On February 17th, the worldwide MMA leader returns to Anaheim, California… [crowd cheering] >> Anik: In an arena that has hosted many historic UFC shows, one way or another, we are in for more UFC history. >> Narrator: …with a stacked card headlined by one of the greatest featherweight champions of all-time. >> Bruce Buffer: Alexander “The Great”… >> Daniel Cormier: He is such a special talent. This guy just showed that he’s next level, especially at featherweight. >> Narrator: At 145 pounds in the UFC… >> Joe Rogan: He dropped him! That’s it! >> Narrator: …Australia’s Alexander Volkanovski is undefeated… >> Rogan: He has incredible cardio– legitimate knockout power. >> Paul Felder: Are you kidding me right now! >> Rogan: All he wants to do is seek and destroy! >> Buffer: Aaaaannd…still! >> Narrator: …increasingly dominant with each defense of his title… >> Anik: Championship mettle from Volkanovski! >> Too [bleep] good! >> Narrator: …and primed to extend his legendary run… >> Volkanovski: My purpose is fighting. >> Anik: What else can you say about the pound-for-pound king? >> And this next part of my story is going to be pretty cool. I’m the champ. I’m the king of this division and no one is ever stopping me. [dramatic music] [Volkanovski yells] >> Buffer: And still! [waves crashing] [upbeat music] >> Narrator: …but a new challenger has emerged from the shores of Alicante. >> Anik: Huge combination for the Spaniard! >> Narrator: Known as “El Matador”, Spain’s Ilia Topuria stands at 14-0… >> Michael Bisping: There’s a reason why he’s undefeated. [bodies crash to the canvas] >> Felder: The guy goes out there and gets it done and he gets it done by finishing people. >> Rogan: He closes the show. The guy is a killer. >> Narrator: …with 12 finishes and sights set on the featherweight belt. [Topuria speaking in Spanish] >> The game plan was simple; come in and take his head off. >> John Gooden: Unbelievable knockout! >> That was the game plan. [strikes thwacking pads] >> Bisping: This man is truly frightening. >> Anik: Still undefeated! [Topuria speaking in Spanish] >> No one can match my level of skill. I come to take that UFC belt. >> Cormier: [groans] Ugh! >> Topuria: And I want to show Alex where his worth gonna end and mine is gonna start. [crowd cheering] >> Ilia has been running his mouth. If he wants to keep going, I’ll show him what’s up and I’ll squash him too. >> Narrator: In the co-main event, Brazilian powerhouse Paulo Costa returns… >> Gooden: Here he is; rejuvenated, revitalized. >> Rogan: This is a knockout artist who throws bombs! >> Narrator: …in a high stakes bout with former middleweight champion, Robert Whittaker. >> Bisping: You see the fire that burns to become the champion of the world once again. >> Whittaker: I’m not going anywhere. Aussie! Aussie! Aussie! >> Narrator: Plus, surging 135 pound contender Merab Dvalishvili… >> Anik: This is a force to be reckoned with. >> Cormier: It’s exciting to watch people melt under the pressure of Merab. [Dvalishvili yelling] >> Narrator: …puts his nine fight win streak on the line, against the once simultaneous bantamweight and flyweight champion, Henry Cejudo… >> Cejudo: Tripe C! Olympic champion, flyweight champion of the world, bantamweight champion of the world! I am the greatest combat athlete of all time! [yells] >> Rogan: Henry Cejudo! [man rapping] ♪ I got to make it out, they can’t stop me ♪ ♪ I got to conquer they can’t copy ♪ >> Narrator: But before the best in the business touch down in SoCal… [vehicle whooshing by] >> Ching, Ching. >> Woman: Ching, Ching. [glasses clink] [gun cocking sound effect] >> Nice, darling. >> Narrator: …first… >> [groans] Uh! [laughing] >> Narrator: …get ready… [timer beeps] >> Man: 30 seconds left! [body violently thuds to the canvas] There you go! >> Narrator: …for UFC 298… Countdown. [gun cocking sound effect] [gentle music] [flag flapping in the wind] >> Anik: Live from the RAC Arena here in Perth, Western Australia, this is UFC 284: Makhachev versus the featherweight world beater, Alexander Volkanovski, who tonight will try to break through and hit that rarified air as a simultaneous two division UFC champion. >> Narrator: For UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski… >> Cormier: This guy is the featherweight king by far. It’s like not even close right now. >> Buffer: Still! >> Narrator: …the year 2023 was highlighted by a pair of lightweight title shots… >> Felder: He knows exactly what he’s got to go do. He knows exactly the challenge that he’s up against with Islam Makhachev. >> Narrator: …against the division’s champion, Islam Makhachev… >> Rogan: He’s one of the best fighters on planet Earth, if not the best. [commentators]: Oh! >> Anik: There’s the tap! >> Buffer: Islam… >> Narrator: …first of which, was a close decision loss right at home in Australia… [commentators]: Oh! >> Anik: Big stick with the left hand by Volkanovski! And now he drops Volkanovski! Ooh! >> Bisping: Oh! Massive right hand sits him down! Trying to steal the victory! >> Anik: Big ground strikes late! [end of round air horn blares] >> Buffer: Still! >> Anik: And we all hope that one point we will see that rematch. [fist thuds counter] >> I was definitely thinking of the rematch after our first fight. [Bleep!] [sighs with frustration] It was always something that I believed was going to eventually happen. We can do it again? >> Yes. >> I didn’t think the rematch was going to come that quick. >> Bisping: Charles Oliveira, the lightweight challenger to Islam Makhachev’s throne, is out of UFC 294. But Oliveira out, Alexander Volkanovski in. >> Buffer: Volkanovski! [Volkanovski yelling] >> But as soon as I got that phone call, I flipped the switch and it was game on. >> Anik: The question beckons, without a training camp, can Alexander Volkanovski do enough to become a simultaneous two division champion? >> I thought I could go out there and shock the world… [pensive music] [commentators]: Oh! >> Anik: That will do it! And still! >> …but we didn’t. He caught me and that’s the game. [waves crashing] [low key dramatic music] [strikes thwacking pads] I’m coming off one of the biggest losses of my career… [music continues] [strikes thwacking pads] but I’m still the champion of the featherweight division. >> Anik: Returning to the division he has ruled for nearly four years, Alexander Volkanovski looks to continue his case as the greatest featherweight of all time, when he faces Yair Rodriguez. >> Narrator: Between a pair of attempts at seizing lightweight gold, Volkanovski would fulfill his obligation to the featherweight belt… >> Herb Dean: Ready? Ready? Let’s fight! >> Narrator: …in a summer headliner against Yair Rodriguez… >> Cormier: And he looks to add to the legacy as the greatest featherweight champ in the world. >> I know I need to focus on defending the belt and really sending a statement. >> Anik: Rodriguez got touched on the way in! >> Cormier: Coming back down to 145, could you imagine all the strength he put on to go up? He must feel like a bear to these guys at featherweight. >> Rogan: And that was one of the most impressive things [end of round air horn blasts] about the Islam fight. The fact that Volkanovski was able to grapple with him successfully is just insane. [Cormier and Rogan]: Oh! >> Rogan: He stung him. >> Anik: Big right for Volk! Oh, Rodriguez really hurt now! Covering up! Massive takedown transition. >> Rogan: Volk is going for it. >> Narrator: …the victory in Las Vegas… >> Anik: That will do it! And still! [crowd loudly cheering] >> Narrator: …would extend Volkanovski’s undefeated featherweight run in the UFC… >> Anik: What else can you say about the pound-for-pound king!? >> Narrator: …and the champ has no intentions of slowing down. >> Anik: Fifth straight featherweight title defense. >> Cormier: Jon, look– Topuria’s is in his face. >> Rogan: When you see how Ilia Topuria fights– I mean that guy is an absolute animal. [dramatic stringed music] [wind whooshing] >> Narrator: Defeating Volkanovski is the desire of every featherweight fighter on the planet. And while no man to ever test the throne has been able to seize Volkanovski’s belt, undefeated challenger Ilia Topuria [ominous musical tones] feels destined to become the first. [dramatic instrumental music] [clock ticking] [Topuria speaking in Spanish] [dramatic music continues] [seagulls squawking] >> Narrator: Now a permanent resident of Alicante, Spain… [scooter engine buzzing] Topuria’s 27 year journey began the day he was born in Germany to Georgian parents in constant search of a better life. [speaking in Spanish] [speaking in Spanish] [engine starts and revs] [low key instrumental music with man vocalizing] [speaking in Spanish] [crowd applauding] [speaking in Spanish] [speaking in Spanish] [trainer speaking in Spanish] [cage announcer speaking in Spanish] >> Cage announcer: Ilia Topuria! [crowd cheering and whistling] >> Narrator: Before he turned 20 years old, Ilia Topuria was finishing professional MMA fights… >> Commentator: He’s out. He’s out! >> Co-commentator: It’s over! >> Commentator #3: Ilia Topuria! Unbelievable! >> Commentator #4: Big pickup and a big takedown for Topuria. >> Commentator #5: This is exactly where the Georgian wants it at. >> Commentator #6: Wow! >> Commentator #7: Ilia Topuria chokes out Brian Bouland! [dramatic instrumental music] >> Narrator: …and it wasn’t long before the phenom from Spain burst onto the UFC featherweight scene. >> Gooden: And here we are, 8-0. A legit prospect out of Spain. Very calm, collected. You wouldn’t know it was his UFC debut. Oh, lovely suplex there. As Topuria is putting on a bit of a grappling masterclass right now. >> Joe Martinez: Still undefeated! >> Dominick Cruz: He’s just unloading on Damon Jackson right now. All combinations. >> Anik: Oh! The walk-off KO for Ilia Topuria! >> Cruz: He just chopped him down like a tree! >> Cormier: We have never seen him get beat. >> Anik: Ilia Topuria has knocked Ryan Hall out cold! >> Cormier: He carries this intensity about him that’s a little bit different than most of these young fighters. >> The game plan was simple; come in and take his head off. [commentators]: Oh! >> Bisping: Wow! >> Gooden: My word! >> Cormier: He is sure that at some point he will wear a UFC championship belt. >> Anik: And a right hand knocks Mitchell down! >> Cormier: And why would you not be sure… >> Anik: Still undefeated! >> Cormier: …when you possess these type of skills? >> Cruz: Oh. >> Anik: Oh! >> Cruz: Heavy! >> Anik: Huge combination for the Spaniard! >> Cruz: This is an outclassing of Topuria– if we’re going to be honest–on the feet. A boxing masterclass. What a statement. >> No one can match my level of skill inside the cage. [commentators]: Oh! >> Cruz: That uppercut was heavy! >> Anik: Back to the canvas now! >> I prove it all the time I step inside the cage and I prove it once again tonight. >> Anik: Volk wants new challengers– Ilia Topuria has arrived. >> I come to take that UFC belt and I want to show Alex when his world is gonna end and mine is gonna start. >> Narrator; Now with his professional record extended to a perfect 14-0, Topuria’s shot at featherweight king Alexander Volkanovski can no longer be denied. Is now set for February 17th in Anaheim. [speaking in Spanish] [music ends] [birds singing] [gentle dramatic music] >> Narrator: Heading into a February 17th featherweight title defense… [vehicles whooshing by] Australian champion Alexander Volkanovski… [card door thuds shut] identifies mistakes made in preparations for his last outing, a short notice shot at the lightweight belt. >> Anik: Alexander Volkanovski is that guy! The question beckons, without a training camp, can that guy do enough to become a simultaneous two division champion? >> For that second Islam fight, I was coming off surgery and a newborn and that– so I didn’t have any fights in line. >> Anik: This was biting off a lot– to travel from Australia, you’re 181 pounds when you get the call. Nothing amounting to a training camp. Had a surgery in July. >> I was drinking a little bit too much. Usually I’d be in the gym more, be a lot more professional and disciplined and I wasn’t. >> Anik: I think the entire fight game has buckets of respect for Volkanovski stepping up, but it didn’t go his way. >> I’m the best person of myself inside and outside of the cage when I have rule structure and I’m in camp. That’s why you saw an emotional side of me after that. I’m more disappointed of who I was going into that fight, rather than making that decision. [low key dramatic music] [vehicles whooshing by] >> Narrator: For Volkanovski, a return to form is not only motivated by the agony of recent defeat, it’s driven by an even higher purpose. >> My family… it’s why I put so much pressure on myself, but that’s only because I want to be the best version of a father I can be. The best version of athlete I can be. You ready? >> Airlie: Yeah. >> Volkanovski: All right. Let’s go. I want to turn up no matter what I do in life. Wherever it’s in the gym. Wherever it is at the Octagon. Wherever it is at home. >> Man: Champions built in the gym. Time to work! >> Volkanovski: So I’m happy to hold myself accountable and be the best version of myself inside and outside of the Octagon. Oh, there you go, darling. See? Nice, Ariana. That’s better. Swap. Oh! You’re close, darling. That’s why I need to win. Well done! Every time I’m in there… [dramatic music continues] >> Man: Nice timing, Volk. >> Volkanovski: You ready? Whaa! You bring that belt back home to your family and that means everything. >> Trainer: Second time to work. Let’s finish it, boys. Finish strong. Last round. >> Volkanovski: There’s always going to be things get in front of you no matter what you do in life… >> Trainer: Good control, Volk. >> Volkanovski: …so you want to be able to deal with them. To be resilient, disciplined. >> Trainer: He’s gonna slide again, Volk. Slide to mount again. >> Never give up. >> Trainer: 15! >> Ready? Nice, darling. Challenge yourself– all those things. Yoo-wi! >> Trainer: Time! >> It can get difficult, but you got to be willing to carry that burden. [indistinct chatter in background] [gentle music] [waves breaking] [seagulls cawing] >> Narrator: Half a world away, Volkanovski’s UFC 298 opponent, Ilia Topuria also shares his experience as a world-class athlete with those that matter most. [trolley bell ringing] [vehicle engine revving] [Topuria speaking in Spanish] [footsteps crunching on ground] >> Ching, Ching. >> Giorgina: Ching, Ching. [glasses clink] >> I actually didn’t follow the sport or anything like that. [speaking in Spanish] >> Then I was seeing videos of him on Youtube. I was like, “This is another person. Like, how is it possible? He’s so sweet.” And then, he’s almost killing people. [blow torch heating and sizzling food] >> Giorgina: I was like, “Out of all the things that you can do in this life, why would you do that?” He’s like, “Because I’m the best, I never get punched.” I was like, “Okay, perfect.” [utensils scraping] [speaking in Spanish] [continuing to speak Spanish] >> It’s Ilia’s dream to become the world champion and I have zero doubts about it. [kiss smacks] It’s already done, it’s just a matter of time. >> Narrator: With support systems in place, the 27 year old contender enters the February 17th title bout in the prime of his career. [scooter engine revving] Ideal circumstances for attempting to become the first man to ever defeat Volkanovski at 145 pounds. [speaking in Spanish] [Trainer speaking in Spanish] [strikes rapidly thwacking pads] [Trainer speaking in Spanish] [strikes violently thwacking pads] [speaking in Spanish] [Topuria grunting] [Trainer speaking in Spanish] [strikes thwacking pads] [Topuria grunting] [speaking in Spanish] [group singing in Spanish] [Topuria grunting] [group continues to sing in Spanish] [bleep] [group applauding and speaking in Spanish] [gentle instrumental music] [bird squawking] [birds’ wings flapping] >> Narrator: Although mixed martial arts is practiced across the globe, the sport is yet to establish a larger presence in certain regions… [vehicle whooshing by] [music continues] And while Southern Spain is beginning to show promise as an emerging hotbed… [vehicle engine revving] elite level training may have never existed here at all were it not for the Climent brothers. [men speaking in Spanish] [speaking in Spanish] [lively music playing in gym in background] [continues to speak in Spanish] >> Rogan: He’s tapping! He’s tapping! That’s it! [Jorge speaking in Spanish] [Agustin speaking in Spanish] [speaking in Spanish] [continues to speak in Spanish] [speaking in Spanish continues] [dramatic percussive music continues] >> Narrator: There is no better man to lead the charge for Spanish MMA than El Matador and it begins with Ilia Topuria’s title bout against Alexander Volkanovski on February 17th… [body thuds to the mat] [lively instrumental music continues] [Jorge speaks in Spanish] [speaking in Spanish] [Jorge speaking in Spanish] [speaking in Spanish] [Jorge speaking in Spanish] [music ends] [low key dramatic music] >> Narrator: Ahead of their title bout on February 17th, Topuria and champion Alexander Volkanovski briefly touched down in Las Vegas to promote the highly anticipated event. And although the business trip takes place mid training camp, the fight capital is an ideal destination to stay on track. [clock ticking] >> Well looked after when you come to Vegas, the home of the UFC. [Volkanovski indistinctly speaks] It’s always good to take advantage of their facilities when in town. I don’t get to get here too much, so when I’m here I make the most of it. >> Narrator: To prepare for Topuria, Volkanovski continues methods that readied him for multiple lightweight title bouts last year. >> Volkanovski: Ah! I always like training with bigger guys. Craig Jones, one of the best grapplers in the world. >> Commentator: There he gets the tap! >> Different commentator: The dominance continues for Craig Jones! >> But if you’re over here, you control a headlock. >> And with this leg? >> Jones: That’s good. >> Or the other leg? >> Jones: Which ever one you can. >> Volkanovski: And you got Kevin Jousset who is in the welterweight division. >> Laura Sanko: Oh, man. This is tight! >> Anik: Kevin “Air” Jousset! >> They put me in a lot of positions that is gonna be harder for people my size. [dramatic music continues] >> He’s only a featherweight– obviously we’re a lot bigger than him, but he’s still a really tough round for us. [wall pads squeaking] I’ve trained with a lot of UFC guys– definitely one of the strongest… physically pound-for-pound guys I’ve felt. >> I can’t go out there and think just because I’ve been winning at featherweight and defending a belt, no one stands a chance. [men grunting] I can’t have that mentality and you wouldn’t see me turn up in the gym like I always have– what got me here today. I’m sure there’s people thinking, “Is this the decline?” But when I got a chip on my shoulder, when I got something to prove– when people doubt me, that’s where I shine. >> Thank you, guys. >> Thanks, much appreciated. [low key dramatic music] >> Narrator: When training commences, promotion intensifies… [woman singing] ♪ Rise up it’s a showdown ♪ >> Narrator: …as Volkanovski shares the stage with a young adversary aiming to take everything he has. [woman singing] ♪ Run make our hearts pound ♪ ♪ Just you be legendary ♪ >> Rogan: Ilia Topuria is a real assassin. >> Ilia Topuria–an undefeated, young, hungry prospect trying to come for my belt. >> Rogan: He’s the best. >> Cormier: He’s next level. >> Which is just the perfect opponent for my story and I believe I go out there and I take him out on February 17th. I just don’t think he’s as good as he says he is. I believe that I’m going to be teaching him a lesson. >> Rogan: He’s just truly a special talent. >> Cormier: The greatest featherweight champ of all time. [woman singing] ♪To be legendary ♪ >> Too [bleep] good! You’ll see me as a dominant champ that I’ve been. >> Rogan: Wow! Rag-dolled him! [woman singing] ♪ Stronger every day ♪ >> Cormier: He really believes that he can whip anybody. [woman singing] ♪ Ready for a change ♪ [speaking in Spanish] >> Gooden: My word! Unbelievable knockout! >> Rogan: He is so clean and so powerful. >> Anik: Still undefeated! Ilia Topuria! [speaking in Spanish] >> Anik: Ilia Topuria has arrived. >> Narrator: It’s the undefeated challenger from Spain… >> Cormier: He is sure he will wear a UFC belt. >> Narrator: …and the all-time great champion from Australia… >> Anik: That will do it! And still! [woman singing] ♪ Going to be legendary ♪ >> Narrator: …toe-to-toe for the featherweight belt in Anaheim. >> As close as you’ll ever get. >> Narrator: …on February 17th. [crowd clamoring and whistling] [low-key instrumental music] >> Narrator: The co-main event of UFC 298 will see the return of Brazil’s top middleweight, Paulo Costa… a hardened knockout artist forged from day one by his brother Carlos. >> My childhood in Contagem was very simple since I was very young. Me and my brother we fought almost every day and it was very hard for me because I’m five years younger than him. He was good to make me tough. [Carlos speaking in Portuguese] [Costa grunting] [strikes thwacking pads] [Carlos speaking in Portuguese] >> Costa: Now my brother is my coach. [speaking in Portuguese] >> Costa: Everything I love from jiu-jitsu comes from him. [Carlos speaking in Portuguese] >> Costa: My brother can handle my different game plans. He really helps me to get my best performance. >> Carlos: [strikes violently thwacking pads] >> Narrator: At 185 pounds, there are few forces more imposing than Brazil’s Paulo Costa… >> Cage announcer: Borrachinha! [commentary in Portuguese] >> Narrator: …a multi-promotional champion on the local circuits of Rio and Sao Paulo… [commentary in Portuguese] >> Narrator: …who made his nation proud on the big stage. >> Joe Martinez: Here is the undefeated [speaking in foreign language], Paulo Borrachinha! >> Anik: What a pace being set in the early going by Borrachinha! And what a way to make an impression on UFC fans around the world! Light’n up the masses in Fortaleza! [crowd raucously cheering] [Costa speaking in Portuguese] >> Brian Stann: This is what Borrachinha did to his opposition prior to coming to the UFC. It was the same result–he ran right through em’. >> Anik: Paulo Costa does it again! [Carlos speaking in Portuguese] >> Anik: And this is a force to be reckoned with. You got to think this guy is surfacing on the middleweight radar. >> Rogan: For all the other people in the middleweight division, this young man is for real. >> Narrator: In the UFC, Costa’s hard-charging offense would see him extend a career knockout tally to 11… >> Anik: Down goes Hall! >> Narrator: …and undefeated streak to 13. >> Cormier: Nobody goes at Romero like that. This guy’s hell on wheels! >> Now is the new time. I’m the Brazilian new generation from Brazil and I will be the next legend from Brazil in UFC. >> Narrator; Although his momentum was halted by former king Israel Adesanya… >> Anik: Israel Adesanya remains the class of the 185 pounders. >> Narrator: …Costa has since returned to form, with a fight for the ages, against a former champion. >> Cormier: Luke Rockhold, he seemed in a great place and ready to compete. >> Costa: Every fight is kind of prove something. >> Rogan: He got hurt there. >> Cormier: Costa’s landing these strikes from the clinch! >> Costa: And that fight against Luke, I need to prove I could beat a former champion. >> Anik: Ooh! >> Rogan: Wow, Costa takes Luke down. >> A guy who needed to win as well. >> Rogan: Rockhold’s coming out guns blazing. >> Costa: When we put two guys who need to get the win… >> Anik: Oh, nice stick with a right by Costa, that got Rockhold’s attention! >> …it’s always a wild fight. [Anik and Rogan]: Oh! >> Anik: Huge connection for Rockhold now! >> Rogan: Wow! >> Cormier: What a crazy fight. [chuckles] >> Anik: Somehow, someway… [end of round air horn blasts] Luke Rockhold and Paulo Costa go the distance! [crowd cheering] >> I’m pretty sure I could beat him and I proved that. [rapid intense percussive music] [Buffer faintly in background]: Paulo Costa! [birds singing] >> Okay, just briefly introduce yourself. You can just give us a brief of what you are doing in Abu Dhabi. >> Okay, my name is Paulo Costa. I came from Brazil. I am here in Abu Dhabi for 50 days. And the hype of my match against Chimaev is going to be the biggest fight of the year. >> Anik: Live from Etihad Arena here in Abu Dhabi, UAE, this is UFC 294! The combat sports leader is back with one of the most compelling fight cards of 2023. >> Narrator: In October of last year, Costa was booked for a high profile co-main event bout with dangerous contender Khamzat Chimaev… >> Anik: A force unlike anything the fight game has ever seen. Here is Khamzat Chimaev, the Chechen Swede. >> Narrator: …but an untimely infection would force his withdrawal from the contest. >> Bisping: Paulo Costa versus Khamzat Chimaev is off. Costa can not fight. He had a nasty staff infection. We have a new co-main event. >> Anik: Former welterweight champ Kamaru Usman jumps right into the deepest end of the pool tonight. >> Narrator: Now fully recovered, Costa is set to return at UFC 298 [water gently rippling] on February 17th, against one of the greatest middleweights the UFC has ever seen… former champion, Robert Whittaker. [dramatic music] >> Anik: Likely destined one day for the UFC Hall-of-Fame, here is the former UFC middleweight champion, Robert Whittaker… >> Kenny Florian: Oh, my gosh! >> Anik: Oh, there is no denying the knockout power of Robert Whittaker. >> Narrator: …a brute force… >> Anik: Robert Whittaker with a head kick! >> Narrator: …who for nearly a decade since moving up to 185 pounds… >> Cormier: Every time he goes in there he lays it on the line. >> Stann: Oh! >> Rogan: Oh, he tagged him! He’s hurt! >> Narrator: … terrorized the opposition. >> Stann: It is absolutely incredible, the assault… >> Rogan: Oh! >> Anik: Oh! >> Stann: …this young has had on the middleweight division. >> Rogan: He is a man who has an air of greatness. >> Anik: Massive head kick for Whittaker and a big right hand! >> Cormier: You know the beauty in Robert Whittaker is that when guys are tough and they make him fight, he’s willing to bite down on the mouth piece and get after it. >> Felder: Oh, my gosh! >> Narrator: …and whose only defeats came at the hands of former king, Israel Adesanya and most recently, reigning champion Dricus du Plessis. [water gently rippling] [birds singing] [tranquil instrumental music] >> Child: Guys! [children laughing and joyfully shouting] >> Child: Save my life! >> Whittaker: Oh, don’t get in! [water splashes] Get off! [Whittaker grunts and playfully laughs] [child and Whittaker laughing] >> A loss is always upsetting and it’s always hard coming back to your family disappointed… >> Child: Mom, I caught a fish! >> Ah, awesome! >> …but resilience is one of the most important attributes for a fighter. [Whittaker playfully yelling with Jack laughing] Get off me! If I can’t handle losing, I don’t deserve to win. Get off me! [children laughing] [Whittaker groans] And I’m very lucky to have a supportive family. They make me want to be better. If I’m taking shortcuts, I know that I’m not letting myself down, I’m letting them down. Jack, you want a big jump? >> Sophia: Whoo! [water splashes] >> And I can’t live knowing I did that. [Whittaker playfully groans] [child excitedly shouts] [water splashes] They are the biggest instrument in my career and my entire life. [gentle music] >> Andrey: Bag with rolls and jogging back. [bodies thudding to the ground] Jog back. Bear walk, forward-backwards. Rob is very emotional and mature person– so he didn’t come back angry. Guys–faster, faster, faster. He came back and he was focused. Guys, try to do non-stop. Keep your pace. That’s good, Rob. Keep working. [Whittaker groaning and straining] I’m very pleased to see [whistle blows] where he is right now for his next fight. Keep going! Keep going! Keep going! [medicine ball thudding to the ground] [whistle blows] [men grunting] Double leg attack! Takedown. I know you’re tired, but this is the time when we need to work. [whistle blows] >> Whittaker: This is my prime that I’m in now and once it’s gone, it’s gone. >> Andrey: Power. Power. Power! >> Whittaker: So I need to utilize everything that I have in my power… [men grunting] [whistle blows] …to get that belt back. [Whittaker exhaustively breathing] [playful instrumental music] [Velcro on gloves crackling] >> Narrator: A return to form for Whittaker comes on February 17th in Anaheim… [man singing] ♪ In an endless stumble ♪ ♪ I’m gonna show up from a slo-mo nature ♪ >> Narrator: …against Brazilian, Paulo Costa… [man singing] ♪ Like a force of nature ♪ [Costa grunting] [punches thwacking pads] >> Narrator: …in a career defining bout… >> Cormier: He has to make everybody understand that he is the next guy to challenge for the middleweight championship. >> Narrator: …that will see the victor get one step closer… >> Rogan: Make no step about it, this fight is a pivotal fight in this division. >> Narrator: …to another shot at the belt. [Costa grunting with strikes thwacking pads] >> February 17th, I’m beating Whittaker. I’m very convinced I’m going to knock him out. [Costa grunting] [heavy bag chains rattling] >> Rogan: This is a knockout artist who throws bombs! >> Anik: Oh! Head kick for Whittaker now! >> Whittaker: February 17th, I’m going to be too fast for him. I’m going to be too strong and too accurate. >> Felder: This one’s to get back in there to hunt that title again. >> And I want to make him quit. [man singing] ♪ I’m a force of nature ♪ [crowd cheering in background fading away] >> Anik: This is an inspiring young man, Henry Cejudo. In 2008 he was the Olympic gold medalist in freestyle wrestling. He does not like being number two. >> Narrator: The feature bout of UFC 298… >> Rogan: The kind of athlete that you have to be to do that, you can get great at everything. >> Narrator: …will showcase a living legend… >> Rogan: He has a goal and it’s a lofty goal. [commentators]: Oh! >> Anik: Another knockdown for Cejudo! >> Rogan: It’s to go down in history as the greatest combat sports athlete of all time. >> Anik: And there’s the shot from Cejudo right in on the leg and nothing he can do about it. >> Narrator: …an Olympic gold medalist in freestyle wrestling… >> Rogan: That wrestling–that’s top of the food chain. >> Narrator: …who transitioned to mixed martial arts… >> Rogan: Oh! >> Cormier: That was lightning fast that right hand. >> Rogan: Like a piston! >> Cormier: Holy smokes! >> Narrator: …where he simultaneously held UFC flyweight… >> Cormier: UFC champion… >> Anik: Oh! >> Cormier: …and Olympic gold medalist. Something no one has ever done. [Cejudo triumphantly yelling] >> Narrator: …and bantamweight belts. >> Anik: Oh! >> Rogan: Big, big shots from Henry! >> Marc Goddard: Stop! Stop! Stop! [Anik and Rogan]: That’s it! >> Anik: Get him a second belt! And that very well might be the greatest combat sports athlete of all time. [body thuds to the canvas] [Anik and Rogan]: Oh! >> Anik: Big knee from Cejudo and a right hand! That is it! And still! >> Narrator: But when Henry Cejudo returned from a brief retirement last year… >> Cormier: He is one of the smartest people in the game. [Anik and Rogan]: Oh! >> Rogan: High kick lands. >> Anik: Big right from Cejudo. >> Cormier: He will have to use all of those skills tonight if he wants to become the champion again. [leg kick lands with a thwack] >> Rogan: Oh! Outstanding pressure by Triple C. [end of round air horn blasts] >> Narrator: …who would face the bitter… >> Buffer: And still… >> Narrator; …and unfamiliar taste of defeat. >> Buffer: …undisputed… >> Rogan: You got to wonder where Cejudo is mentally at this stage of his career, but you know that he has a fury inside of him. [gentle instrumental music] He is so unbelievably dedicated and focused. >> I hate second place, but I know the mistakes that I made. Well, Cap I didn’t want to talk to you and the whole team, man. You were with me for my last Olympic trials. You’ve been there for me, but as of right now, I just want to let you know man– for this camp, dude, I’m getting rid of specific coaches, man. I should have included you. Sometimes you are too close to somebody and people just get too comfortable. >> The goal has always been the same– for you to be the greatest combat athlete of all time and…for me that was a dream come true. >> This is why this man is the G.O.A.T. coach. The most unselfish human that you will ever meet– captain Eric Albarracin. And right now what I want to do in this fight camp is keep it strictly business. >> You guys want to start? >> Yeah, so two-a-days on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and that’s it. >> You’re doing it way different than we’ve ever done it before. If you’re having coaches available, you have a buffet every single day. >> Every fight should be a different cocktail and you have to be able to adjust and grab different coaches that can take you to wherever it is that you actually want to go. This is how I feel comfortable for this fight and this cocktail. The more simple, the less people that I have here– even if it’s good [bleep], the better for me, because I’m sick of hearing just different people’s perspective. We have something in lock, let’s just lock and [bleep] load and just go. [gentle instrumental music] >> Narrator: A fully revamped fight camp has Cejudo firing on all cylinders… [timer chimes] and is topped off by the return of a fellow wrestling great… Henry’s older brother, Angel. >> Just bring your elbow back to your side. Reach. Bring your elbow back to your side. Yeah, that’s it. The biggest thing with him is getting back to those trial and errors. What’s working. What’s not working. Getting him out of his comfort zone. Okay, right here–right away, start reaching for a thigh. Now you see how you are up like this? You’re trying to use speed. Don’t worry about speed, keep your hips down. Yes. There you go. So we’re going to do our best to work together. Go and grab that leg right there. There you go. Now move this way. Take your time. Don’t go fast. Make it a controlled wrestling match. Be a little bit more in tune and be align with each other’s philosophies of training. [dramatic rapid percussive music] Hips down the whole time. Grab. There. That’s it. See, he can’t move anymore. He’s stuck. If you run too fast, he’s gonna start flinging away from him. Trap him like [bleep] you’re mine now. Then you are going to avoid long scrambles. All those scrambles, you’re going to take control of the situation. Train it again. That’s pressure. That’s weight. Reach. >> Cejudo: I want to be pushed. I want to be challenged. >> Angel: Yeah. >> And I want to retain that belt once again. [music heightens then ends] [gentle hip hop music] >> Narrator: Standing in Cejudo’s way of redemption… [man rapping] ♪ You can’t downplay greatness ♪ ♪ And can’t stop what’s about to come ♪ >> Narrator: …is a relentless powerhouse known aptly as “The Machine”… [Dvalishvili grunts] …because when locked in with the Octagon with Merab Dvalishvili, bantamweights routinely crumble under his furious pace. [man rapping] ♪ Let me introduce myself to you ♪ ♪ I am the truth ♪ >> Anik: Arguably the most tireless worker in the sport. >> Rogan: That nickname “The Machine” is very accurate. [man rapping] ♪ I am the truth ♪ >> I have good cardio. I have all the technique. >> Brendan Fitzgerald: The cardio on him [chuckles] is just unbelievable. [man rapping] ♪ I am the truth ♪ >> Dvalishvili: I have takedown records in my weight class. >> Felder: His wrestling is relentless. >> And I’m only getting better. [man rapping] ♪ I am the truth ♪ >> Narrator: With wins over former title challengers John Dodson… [body thuds to the canvas] >> Rogan: He is beating John Dodson up. >> Narrator: …and Marlon Moraes… >> Cormier: Oh, he hurt him with a right hand! >> Anik: Big ground strikes! >> Felder: Marlon’s got no answer! >> Anik: That will do it! >> Narrator: …as well as former champions, Jose Aldo… >> Cormier: He’s just not allowing Aldo to get anything going. >> Anik: Merab’s conditioning really the stuff of legend. Puts other pro fighters to shame. >> Narrator: …and Petr Yan. >> Felder: He’s got that Khabib style that people are terrified of. >> Fitzgerald: He turns back Petr Yan in impressive fashion. >> Narrator: Dvalishvili rides a nine fight win streak into the February 17th clash with Cejudo… [man rapping] ♪ I am the truth ♪ >> Narrator: …a position made possible by the decisions to leave his Georgian life behind to chase the MMA dream. >> This hat right here made from goat hair. The Georgian people used to wear this in the mountains. It was very tough time when I was growing up. [bell tolls] Georgian economy was down and most people don’t have food and don’t have money… [birds singing] …but my parents a big motivation for me… because they always give me good directions in life. [kiss smacks] [speaking in foreign language] [cameras beeping and shutters clicking] [Dvalishvili laughing] >> They told me you have to earn everything. This is my house, it reminds me of everything. This is my motivation– my home country. It’s where I’m from. [native festive music playing] [speaking in foreign language] [group applauding] So to leave my family and emigrate to the United States wasn’t hard because I have a goal, I want to be UFC fighter and represent Georgian flag. [wind whooshing] [slow tempo dramatic music] >> Narrator: To prepare for Cejudo, Dvalishvili is enlisting the services of the last man to defeat him… >> Rogan: Aljo, this is his world. He is one of the very best at back control. >> Narrator: …long time friend and former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling. >> I think it definitely helps that I fought Henry to give Merab an inside look to kind of what I felt when I was in there. >> Rogan: He’s really done a great job in this round of constantly putting pressure on Aljamain, but Aljamain back up to his feet. Let’s see if he can turn it around. This is huge. >> Sterling: And it doesn’t hurt that Merab was also trying to imitate and mimic Cejudo for me. So he kind of has some of his mannerisms down of what to expect. >> Cormier: Merab’s a madman. >> Sterling: Man, this [bleep] works so hard! So hard! He pushes me, I push him! [dramatic music continues] >> Henry will be my third UFC former champion who I will beat and there will be no question that I should fight for the title. [dramatic music continues] >> Rogan: Henry Cejudo is in the ranks of greats. >> This is just personal for me, it’s just kind of like a vendetta. [Albarracin speaking in foreign language] >> Like a road to redemption… >> Anik: That’s it! Get him a second belt! >> Rogan: Henry Cejudo is an elite two division champion. >> …to get my belt back. I am the greatest combat athlete of all time! >> Now I prove again that I’m hungry! February 17th, I will be the one who will knock Henry out. >> Narrator: Bantamweights set the stage in Anaheim for a middleweight blockbuster between former champ Robert Whittaker… >> Rogan: This is a world championship caliber fighter and this guy keeps getting better. >> Narrator: …and the always dangerous Paulo Costa… >> Rogan: He is a marauder! He is a relentless destroyer! >> Narrator: …and a championship main event between featherweight king, Alexander Volkanovski… >> Cormier: The greatest featherweight champion of all time. >> Rogan: Just a truly special talent. >> Narrator: …and challenger Ilia Topuria. >> Cormier: Topuria is the real deal. >> Rogan: Straight up savage. >> Cormier: He has all the skill to be best in the world. >> Narrator: It all goes down at UFC 298 on February 17th. [music ends]