Alexander Volkanovski will likely return by the end of 2024. However, the UFC is busy setting up a potential fight between Max Holloway and Ilia Topuria. So for the former champion to get back in the title discussion, he has to wait a while. In the meantime, the Australian wants to move to the lightweight division to take on its top contenders.
Alexander Volkanovski recently went on Israel Adesanya’s YouTube channel. He talked about what he would do while waiting for the featherweight title scene. As per the interview, the former featherweight champion has his eyes locked in on the lightweight division.
Things that excite me, in featherweight it’s just the belt… But lightweight, let’s have some fun while we’re waiting. They’re probably going to do Max and Ilia in September.
Alexander Volkanovski on FREESTYLEBENDER
The former featherweight champion decided to take some time off after being knocked out back to back in his last two fights. Meanwhile, Max Holloway called out Topuria at UFC 300 and all the attention went that way. Now that Volkanovski is preparing for a comeback, he has to decide what he will do in the meantime.
Volkanovski previously took a shot at the 155 lbs division twice, but each time got pushed out by division champion Islam Makhachev. Now, he wants to try his hand at that division yet again. This might be a tune-up fight he’s considering to keep himself active. Eventually, a good performance at lightweight will boost his confidence for the featherweight title fight in the future.
Alexander Volkanovski regrets telling this to the UFC
Many speculate September to be when Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway fight. However, the champion recently said in an interview that his title fight had been stalling because of Max Holloway and he asked for an eligible fighter to step up and face him in Abu Dhabi.
Alexander Volkanovski on returning to the UFC (Image via Imago)If the fight takes too long, it will be interesting to see who would the former featherweight champion take on next. In his interview on Adesanya’s YouTube channel, the Australian said that he had made some specific demands to the UFC pre-hiatus.
Because I told the UFC I didn’t want to fight until later in the year. Like I said, I’m really committed to that in my head. Now I started training I’m like I wish I didn’t tell them that!
Alexander Volkanovski on FREESTYLEBENDER
Alexander Volkanovski is still a top fighter on the UFC roster. As such, his wish to fight either Dustin Poirier or Charles Oliveira may be granted. He does not want to wait too long. According to Volkanovski, he is in a position now where if the UFC puts him to fight next year he would fight at lightweight. The former champion said it is still an exciting prospect for him.
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