‘Actual’ model exhibits up in Ilia Topuria rematch

Alexander Volkanovski is raring for his likelihood to run issues again with UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria.

Volkanovski (26-4 MMA, 13-3 UFC) misplaced his featherweight title to Topuria (15-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC) by second-round knockout in February at UFC 298. Topuria is angling for his first title protection to be in opposition to Max Holloway, then needs a stadium struggle vs. Conor McGregor in Spain.

Volkanovski doesn’t put an excessive amount of inventory into Topuria’s daring ambitions and hopes to rematch Topuria if he will get previous Holloway. Volkanovski fought Topuria lower than 4 months after getting knocked out by Islam Makhachev at UFC 294 and is assured he’d be a a lot better model in a rematch in opposition to Topuria.

“Ilia is a good fighter – let’s see as a result of the following Volkanovski goes to show up,” Volkanovski informed The AllStar. “The true Volkanovski, I assure you that, and let’s see if Ilia can deal with that. Once more, I’m not taking something away from him, I’m not saying he can’t. He’s clearly obtained heavy fingers. He’s clearly obtained good ability, however I would like him to be examined in opposition to the perfect model of myself or all the highest guys and actually show himself.”

Volkanovski was uncharacteristically tentative in opposition to Topuria however mentioned he received’t make that very same mistake in the event that they struggle once more.

“You’re not going to see a timid Volk. You’re going to see a Volk that fights his struggle,” Volkanovski mentioned. “You wish to be put in entrance of me and put your self ready to land bombs, be prepared for one coming straight again at you.”

With Topuria vs. Holloway but to have a scheduled date, it might be a protracted anticipate Volkanovski. The previous featherweight champion is keen to struggle once more within the meantime – however solely at light-weight.

“You discover me an thrilling struggle, perhaps within the light-weight division or one thing, like that that’s enjoyable, perhaps as a result of I received’t wish to wait too lengthy,” Volkanovski mentioned. “Possibly we might put one thing on the market, however my subsequent featherweight struggle is for the belt. Clearly you had just a few individuals name me out, which credit score to them. … However consider me: I’m not in that place the place I have to struggle anyone else however the champ.”