A few years ago, Alexander Volkanovski was the top pound-for-pound fighter, dominating as the UFC featherweight champion. However, he quickly lost his bragging rights after suffering defeats to Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria. Reflecting on these setbacks, there were adjustments Volkanovski could have made to change the outcome of his fights.
Volkanovski fought Makhachev twice and came close to winning in the first bout. However, in the second round, the fighter came in as a last-minute replacement and got knocked by the Dagestani. After that loss, the Australian superstar immediately jumped the gun to defend his title against Topuria and got brutally KOed. In a recent interview, Volkanovski talked about his lack of preparation for these fights.
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.
Alexander Volkanovski via The Ariel Helwani Show
Despite any regrets, Volkanovski said that taking those fights and pushing himself is what made him a superstar. Before facing Makhachev, he had defeated every featherweight contender and aimed for double champion status. After the loss, he opened up about his mental health struggles and how he stayed busy by fighting.
Alexander Volkanovski has no regrets taking the Islam Makhachev fight on short notice, and the Ilia Topuria fight just a few months later:
“I don’t regret it. That’s who I am. That’s what made me the champion I was.”
🎥 @arielhelwani #HelwaniShowpic.twitter.com/7nIJvGrgF8
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) October 28, 2024
Volkanovski also showed similar behavior after the Topuria loss and shared his intentions to move up and fight top lightweights. However, it seems like the fighter has now given up and wants his rematch with ‘El Matador’. UFC CEO Dana White recently gave the green light to the fight, but the date and place are yet to be announced.
Ilia Topuria wants Alexander Volkanovski in Spain
Ilia Topuria made history at UFC 308 with a knockout finish over Max Holloway in the third round. The fighter turned into ‘Mystic Mac’ and did exactly what he said before the fight. It was his first ever featherweight title defense, and the win has boosted his superstar status. Fans are desperate to see the Georgian-Spaniard again, and it will most probably be against Alexander Volkanovski.
Volkanovski was present at UFC 308, and during the octagon interview, he and Tuporia hugged each other out of respect. The featherweight champion credited Volkanovski for his achievements and confirmed that they will fight again in the future. In a recent interview, Topuria’s coach, Jorge Climent, revealed the ideal place for the rematch.
Ilia wants to fight in Spain. We have a lot of fans there, and we’ve been asking the UFC to come to Spain.
Jorge Climent via Submission Radio
🇦🇺🇪🇸 Ilia Topuria’s coach said that a rematch with Alexander Volkanovski isn’t happening in Australia in February:
“Ilia wants to fight in Spain. We have a lot of fans there, and we’ve been asking the UFC to come to Spain.”
🎥 @submissionradio ▫️ pic.twitter.com/BPWQ3xwSfk
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) October 28, 2024
Since becoming the featherweight champion, Topuria and UFC have been working on a potential pay-per-view event in Spain. However, due to soccer and other events, they didn’t get dates. Recently, Dana White confirmed that they are talking with soccer clubs FC Barcelona and Real Madrid for their stadiums.
