The world still awaits Ilia Topuria’s first career title defense as Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Featherweight champion.
Topuria, 27, claimed the title at UFC 298 when he scored the upset second round knockout over Alexander Volkanovski in February 2024 (watch highlights). Although it was an undeniably impressive performance from the new champion, mixed martial arts (MMA) fans around the world speculated that the all-time great Volkanovski may have returned too quickly after his previous knockout loss to Islam Makhachev (watch highlights) in October 2023.
Ultimately, Volkanovski is giving himself more time before he gets back into action. Ideally, when he does return, it will be for a shot at reclaiming his title.
“Maybe they were right, but now I’m doing the right thing now and you’re gonna see the same ‘Volk’ you always see next time I step in there,” Volkanovski told The AllStar about his turnaround time. “You’re not gonna see a timid ‘Volk,’ you’re gonna see a ‘Volk’ that fights his fight. You want to be put in front of me and put yourself in a position to land bombs? Be ready for one coming straight back at ya. I’m eager.
“People are gonna want to see it,” he said of the Topuria rematch. “I’m already back in the gym. I’ve been training, getting excited for it again.”
Topuria has let his goals be clear for his immediate future, demanding the likes of a former champion, Max Holloway, fight before a fantastical clash with Conor McGregor. Volkanovski says his talks with the promotion will increase at this stage and that his title shot rematch was always the plan for what will be next. However, he knows he’ll likely wait behind someone like Holloway and hopes it won’t be for too long.
“I’m not gonna rain on his parade,” Volkanovski said. “He’s playing the game. He’s gonna say these things, hopefully, put ‘em into reality, but there’s a good chance that doesn’t happen. I’m sure he’s gonna accept that. He’s gonna put it all out there, see what comes. If not, fight the fights he’s gotta fight.
“The UFC are gonna tell him what to do,” he continued. “He knows that. Whether he likes it or not, that’s just how it is. I think it’s pretty obvious what his next options are gonna be. It’s gonna be your Alex Volkanovski or Max Holloway. That’s that. You ain’t going up in another division yet. You still got a lot more to prove in your division.”