Alexander ‘The Great’ Volkanovski is the #1 ranked featherweight in the UFC. He suffered a knockout loss to Ilia Topuria in his sixth title defense at UFC 298. Following his defeat to Topuria, Volk immediately called for a rematch. The Aussie fighter remains eager for another chance to prove himself.
Though Volkanovski want the title, he shown some willingness to fight Diego Lopes for an interim title. The championship bout will depend on how long Ilia Topuria remains sidelined. Lopes wants the Volkanovski fight as well. However, Volk has given a status update on what happens next.
He’s obviously said ‘Let’s do it in Sydney’ and then I think people just ran with that but there’s no talk of that at all…
Alexander Volkanovski via Home of Fight
The former champion is more interested in fighting for the world title than Lopez. He has made it clear that other matchups are not a priority when rumors suggested Volk vs. Charles Oliveira happening. He remains focused on Topuria and the title. Only a superfight with Conor McGregor might make him reconsider something else.
🫡Alexander Volkanovski reveals there’s been no talks of fighting Diego Lopes and says he will fight for the title next
🎥@alexvolkanovski 🔹 pic.twitter.com/QigI0ZWOfr
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) November 21, 2024
With how the things appear now, Diego Lopes will likely fight someone else. He was the backup fighter for UFC 308 when Topuria defended his title against Max Holloway. One more win against a ranked contender will grant Lopes his title shot. As such, it appears Volkanovski will get his title shot next as Topuria wants the rematch.
Ilia Topuria accepts Alexander Volkanovski rematch after UFC 308
At UFC 308, ‘El Matador’ secured a knockout victory in the third round. In doing so, the Georgian-Spanish fighter became the first man to knockout Holloway in the featherweight division. Right after the fight, Volkanovski called out the winner, eager to challenge for the title.
Ilia Topuria and Alexander Volkanovski (Image via Marca)Volkanovski entered the cage to demand a rematch face-to-face from the current champion. The former champ pointed to his consistent activity as one of the main reasons he deserves an immediate rematch. Leaving no space for trash-talk, Topuria accepted the rematch with a respectful demeanor.
He defend his title seven times, I don’t know how many times, if someone deserves it, it’s him. So let’s do it brother.
Ilia Topuria via UFC 308 octagon interview
Despite accepting the rematch, ‘El Matador’ had one demand. He wanted the fight to take place in Spain, in front of his home crowd. Volkanovski had no issues with the idea, having already fought Islam Makhachev in enemy territory. UFC CEO Dana White acknowledged Volkanovski’s impressive reign as champion and his hunger to reclaim the belt. Yet, there’s nothing official yet about the next title fight.
