‘Real’ version shows 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) lost 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 wants a stadium fight 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 significantly better model in a rematch in opposition to Topuria.

“Ilia is a good fighter – let’s see as a result of the subsequent Volkanovski goes to show up,” Volkanovski instructed The AllStar. “The actual 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 acquired heavy fingers. He’s clearly acquired good ability, however I would like him to be examined in opposition to the most effective model of myself or all the highest guys and actually show himself.”

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

“You’re not going to see a timid Volk. You’re going to see a Volk that fights his battle,” Volkanovski stated. “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 could possibly be an extended look forward to Volkanovski. The previous featherweight champion is prepared to battle once more within the meantime – however solely at light-weight.

“You discover me an thrilling battle, possibly within the light-weight division or one thing, like that that’s enjoyable, possibly as a result of I received’t wish to wait too lengthy,” Volkanovski stated. “Perhaps we may put one thing on the market, however my subsequent featherweight battle is for the belt. Clearly you had a couple of folks name me out, which credit score to them. … However imagine me: I’m not in that place the place I must battle anyone else however the champ.”