Alexander Volkanovski knows he’ll be the next man to challenge Ilia Topuria, it’s just a matter of figuring out when their highly anticipated rematch will go down.
Eight months after scoring a second-round knockout against Volkanovski at UFC 298 to claim the featherweight title, Topuria successfully defended the belt on Saturday night in Abu Dhabi by becoming the first fighter to ever KO ex-champion Max Holloway in the UFC 308 headliner.
Not long after the title was once again wrapped around Topuria’s waist, UFC CEO Dana White confirmed that a rematch between Volkanovski and ‘El Matador’ would be the top priority for the top of the 145-pound division.
Appearing on The Ariel Helwani Show on Monday, Volkanovski confirmed that he is in fact the next man in line. The only trouble is trying to figure out when and where the two will run it back.
“It’s still early, but it’s gonna be tough to get him over to Sydney,” Volkanovski said. “I always knew that. That’s why I was saying that I’d prefer Max winning just purely for that, but at least I know I’m guaranteed next [in line]. Maybe it’ll be Madrid in a stadium or something. That sounds great. I’ll fight in enemy territory.
“I don’t think I’m the enemy anywhere in the world, but obviously he’s going to have a massive crowd. I’ve fought in enemy territories many times. Been booed plenty of times, but that’ll be huge. Imagine a massive event in Spain. It’s just when is it. Is that later in 2025 where I’m waiting like two years before I fight? I’m not getting any younger, everyone knows that. I’ve got one last crack at this title and I’m gonna put everything into it so hopefully early next year we can make it happen.”
https://x.com/arielhelwani/status/1850996642574672210
Alexander Volkanovski Has No Regrets About Taking Topuria Fight So Soon After Makhachev KO
Volkanovski surrendered the title to Topuria a mere four months after suffering a brutal first-round head-kick KO against Islam Makhachev at UFC 294.
Asked if he regrets making the relatively quick turnaround after such a devastating defeat, ‘The Great’ was adamant that he had no regrets about taking the fight with Topuria so soon, saying:
“No. I don’t think I regret it,” Volkanovski said. “That’s who I am. That’s what’s made me the champion I was. A lot of people think it’s just a bad idea, but if you look at it going in, that’s me challenging myself.
“Me taking on Islam, obviously, the timing thing was was there, but the only thing I regret is, I wish I was, especially before the Islam one, I just wish I was more prepared. I wish I was training more and in a better position, but I do not regret taking them fights because as I said, that’s just who I’ve always been.”
https://x.com/ChampRDS/status/1850999675417182488
Watch the full video below:
