Alexander Volkanovski insists his subsequent battle shall be for the featherweight title—however a return to light-weight is trying fairly good.
Volkanovski’s run within the featherweight division is among the many best runs in all of blended martial arts historical past. However as ‘The Nice’ discovered firsthand, all good issues come to an finish. After failing in back-to-back makes an attempt so as to add a second belt to his assortment, Volkanovski surrendered the 145-pound crown at UFC 298, struggling a brutal second-round knockout by the hands of Ilia Topuria.
Since then, Volkanovski has been content material to take a seat on the sidelines, permitting himself to heal whereas his three-time opponent, Max Holloway, gears up for a title tilt with ‘El Matador’ later this 12 months.
Talking with ESPN Australia, ‘The Nice’ revealed that his subsequent battle contained in the Octagon will provide him the chance to reclaim the featherweight title—however that doesn’t imply he gained’t look to get a little bit motion at light-weight first.
“My subsequent battle at featherweight shall be for the title,” Volkanovski stated. “It’s simply the time. Clearly, I wished to attend. I don’t know what precisely are the plans. I haven’t been hounding the UFC, simply form of been taking it simple. So, I don’t know in the event that they obtained plans. I do know for a truth my subsequent battle is for the title. Whether or not one thing occurs earlier than that, and if that’s the case, does that imply I’m ready too lengthy?
“That’s the place I’m like, if that’s the case, alright. Possibly if Dustin Poirier [wants to], that may be an unbelievable battle. Clearly, he’s a very good dude with a whole lot of respect for one another. Large identify, very, very enjoyable battle. That’s one thing, and I simply thought I’d put feelers out so that you by no means know. Light-weight division seems to be good however my subsequent featherweight battle is for the belt” (h/t MMA Mania).
Contemplating the laundry checklist of accidents Poirier sustained in his UFC 302 title battle towards Islam Makahchev, Volkanovski may very well be ready fairly some time for a showcase with ‘The Diamond.’
Alexander Volkanovski awaits the winner of ilia topuria vs. max holloway
In the meantime, Ilia Topuria seems to be on a collision course with Holloway, a former featherweight titleholder who lately claimed the promotion’s bragging rights belt—the BMF title— at UFC 300 in April. Following his insane buzzer-beating KO of Justin Gaethje, ‘Blessed’ referred to as for a conflict with Topuria. It seems to be like he’ll get his want.
No official bulletins have been made, however all indicators level towards Topuria’s first protection of the featherweight strap happening at UFC 306 when Dana White and Co. head to Sphere in Las Vegas for an occasion in contrast to every other in fight sports activities historical past.
Volkanovski will probably discover himself matched up with the winner someday in 2025. Will it’s a fourth assembly with Max Holloway, or will ‘The Nice’ run it again with the No. 5 ranked P4P fighter on the planet? Solely time will inform.
