- Michael Bisping and Paul Felder suggest that Alexander Volkanovski should rest for now
- “The Count” thinks Max Holloway would’ve been a perfect title challenger for Ilia Topuria
Michael Bisping and Paul Felder agreed in unison that Alexander Volkanovski should take a lengthy time off if needed before aiming for a rematch with Ilia Topuria.
Volk needs to reassess himself
Speaking on his Believe You Me podcast, “The Count” weighed in on Volkanovski’s current situation and call for a quick rematch following his KO loss to Topuria at UFC 298. According to Bisping, all signs point to Volk needing to take a break and ponder about what’s the best thing to do next as he has gone through a series of tough losses.
“Coming off the back of two stoppages in a row, three out of his last four, I mean, that puts Volk at a big disadvantage going into that rematch if it does in fact take place,” Bisping said of Volk.
“Regardless of however tough we all say we are and we think we are when it comes to it on the night when you’ve just been stopped, when you’ve been knocked out in your fight before, there’s a little bit of doubt in the mind because no longer you’re not Invincible, you’re only human being and the entire world does more importantly, so does your opponent, they know you can be hurt and now as I say two times in a row,” he explained.
“So, for Volkanovski, I get it right I’m not gonna say don’t do that right he’s an incredible fighter, he was the pound-for-pound number one, but I’d say take some time off, [he’s] only 35, I’d say take a year off, take six months off, enjoy the spoils of your riches, enjoy all your success, spend some time with the family and come back hungry as a dog. Maybe let Topuria defend it against someone else in the meantime,” he continued.
Bisping’s guest co-host Felder, meanwhile, echoed the same sentiment about Volkanovski. For “The Irish Dragon,” it is also important that “The Great” ensure that his head is still at its best condition, considering the hard blows it took from his last two knockout losses.
“Let’s just take a couple weeks and let everything settle, let’s see how you’re feeling, let’s see how the head’s feeling you know, because a lot of times, especially after shots like that you might feel all right for a little bit but he might just you know, he might want to just chill out for a little bit and and kind of reassess everything as he calms down from the emotions of the fight,” Felder said.
Max could be thinking about a title fight with Ilia
As for what could be next for Topuria if the UFC wouldn’t give Volkanovski the rematch, Bisping said Max Holloway would’ve been a great matchup. However, “Blessed” has already agreed to face Justin Gaethje at UFC 300, which could affect his chances of getting a title shot.
“Max Holloway is probably having similar thoughts right now, he might be thinking, ‘Why have I stepped up to fight Justin Gaethje?’ When right now the shot at the featherweight title could be right there,” Bisping pointed out.
As it stands, Topuria said he might only consider a rematch with Volkanovski as the Aussie was such a nice person. But if given a chance, the new featherweight champ would opt for a fresh opponent in his first title defense.
Watch Bisping’s full podcast below:
