Alexander Volkanovski recently revealed his thoughts on the prospect of fighting Conor McGregor. The former featherweight champion is more excited about the possibility of fighting ‘The Notorious’ than pursuing a rematch with Ilia Topuria. Here is what happened:
Alexander Volkanovski recently sat down for an interview with Submission Radio. During their discussion, Volkanovski highlighted how Conor McGregor’s star power and the financial incentives make this fight particularly attractive. It is an opportunity for the former champion to capitalize on a massive payday and gain significant exposure, given the UFC superstar’s legendary status in the sport.
That’s a fight that’s always going to be exciting… just doing a contender fight in the featherweight division, that not really excite me… obviously the Conor McGregor fight is very exciting so that’s something I would do.
Alexander Volkanovski via Submission Radio
While Topuria defends his title this October, Volkanovski believes fighting McGregor first would not interfere with a future bout against Topuria. McGregor’s drawing power remains undeniable, even though he has been less active and has lost some of his recent fights. The UFC superstar has not fought since 2021 and is expected to make a comeback in 2025.
Volkanovski seems confident he could handle both high-profile fights in close succession. Meanwhile, a much-anticipated showdown with former lightweight champion, Charles Oliveira is also off the charts for now. Volkanovski reasoned that the UFC is not a big fan of jumping weight classes. So he would rather sit out for a shot at the featherweight title for now.
Alexander Volkanovski is not interested in being a backup fighter for Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway
Alexander Volkanovski has made it clear that he will not accept a backup role for the UFC 308 main event between Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway. During his interview with Submission Radio, Volkanovski stated that at this stage of his career, it does not make sense for him to be a backup fighter. His primary goal is to reclaim the UFC featherweight title. The former champion believes he is guaranteed the next title shot.
Alexander Volkanovski not interested in being a backup fighter at UFC 308 (Image via Imago)Volkanovski acknowledged that earlier in his career, he might have accepted a backup role to solidify his position. After suffering two consecutive knockout losses, Volkanovski took some time off to heal and reset physically and mentally. Now, with his sights set squarely on the featherweight belt, he is not interested in being a backup or taking fights that do not directly lead to that goal.
I’m guaranteed the next shot. I’m not really a backup fighter. Right now, that does not make sense because I am next.
Alexander Volkanovski via Submission Radio
Despite contenders like Diego Lopes, who has called out Volkanovski for a fight, the Australian fighter has dismissed the idea. Volkanovski is willing to fight Lopes only if an interim title is on the line. That depends on the outcome of UFC 308. If Holloway moves up to a higher weight class after UFC 308, there could be an opening for Volkanovski to step in for a title fight.
