Alexander Volkanovski is in search of two-time Final Preventing Championship (UFC) standing.
The final two fights for Australia’s “Nice” didn’t have constructive outcomes. First struggling a primary spherical head kick knockout loss in his rematch towards Light-weight champion, Islam Makhachev (watch highlights), Volkanovski then misplaced his Featherweight title in protection to the undefeated Ilia Topuria (watch highlights).
As one of many biggest champions in UFC historical past, particularly at Featherweight, Volkanovski believes he deserves an prompt shot again on the title he held since December 2019. Nevertheless, Topuria is presently tied up with Volkanovski’s outdated rival, Max Holloway, who he’ll defend towards at UFC 308 subsequent month (Sat., Oct. 26, 2024). Diego Lopes has since emerged because the clear attainable subsequent contender, profitable his fifth straight with a unanimous determination over two-time title challenger, Brian Ortega, at UFC 306 this previous weekend (Sept. 14, 2024).
“Lopes — large win. Each two prime dudes. I like each of them, so whoever was going to win, I used to be going to be completely satisfied for,” Volkanovski stated on his YouTube channel (h/t MMA Junkie). “Lopes is true up there now. I’m guessing he’ll be ranked [No.] 3.
“Clearly, my subsequent combat is for the title, relying on what occurs,” he continued. “Are there accidents within the Max and Ilia combat? Who is aware of what’s going to occur. May there be an interim with somebody like Lopes? You by no means know, so we’ll see what occurs.”
No matter how issues shake out at Featherweight, Volkanovski is adamant he’ll be combating for a title when he returns to the Octagon.
“My subsequent combat is for the title,” Volkanovski stated. “But when they’ll’t try this quickly sufficient, say if Max wins, is he going to go to light-weight and do BMF? Is there going to be an interim combat? I haven’t had them correct discussions, so I’ll get again to the UFC and have a correct chat with them. All I do know is that my subsequent combat is for the title.”
