Alexander Volkanovski provided his response to renewed rumors {that a} struggle between Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev could possibly be coming sooner moderately than later.
Throughout an interview with Fox Sports activities Australia, Topuria, the reigning UFC featherweight titleholder, made it clear that if he will get his want, his subsequent struggle will likely be towards light-weight champion Islam Makhachev, which might give him the chance to change into simply the fifth fighter in UFC historical past to acquire champ-champ standing.
“That is one thing that I wish to do, the UFC is aware of that,” Topuria mentioned of a struggle with Makhachev. “However on the finish of the day, that is one thing that the UFC decides. They know the right way to run the enterprise. They’ve numerous expertise. So, in the event that they inform me they need me to maintain defending the belt within the 145-pound division, perhaps I’ll do this. But when they let me go as much as 155, I’ll do this additionally and be very glad.”
Getting wind of Topuria’s feedback, Volkanovski remains to be holding out hope that he’ll get the prospect to run it again with ‘El Matador’ earlier than he runs off to a different weight class. But when the UFC decides to guide Topuria vs. Makahchev subsequent, then so be it.
“I don’t wish to get in the best way of somebody’s [title dream]. I clearly need that [Topuria] struggle,” Volkanovski instructed Niko Pajarillo in his personal interview with Fox Sports activities Australia. “It’s gonna suck, as a result of I’d love that. If the UFC need [Makhachev vs. Topuria], and [Topuria] is pushing for it they usually could make that occur, then alright. Good on them. But when they’ll’t make it occur, let’s not waste time and let’s lock our struggle in. That’s form of how it’s. But when they’ll make it occur, candy.”
If Ilia Topuria stays at 145, Volkanovski is subsequent up
Fortunately for Volkanovski, Topuria isn’t denying the truth that he’s subsequent in line for a shot on the 145-pound crown.
“Yeah, if I keep in 145 nobody else deserves the struggle greater than him,” Topuria mentioned of Volkanovski. “I’ve to provide him the rematch as a result of he deserves that. It’s not one thing that I determine. He owns his shot. So, if I keep at 145, I’ll do this.”
Placing the featherweight title on the road at UFC 298, Volkanovski suffered a vicious second-round knockout towards Topuria. Since then, ‘El Matador’ has efficiently defended his crown, turning into the primary fighter to KO former titleholder Max ‘Blessed’ Holloway in October.
Volkanovski has not competed because the loss to Topuria, opting to take some much-needed day off to heal after combating thrice in each 2022 and 2023.
