Alexander Volkanovski drops hint about his UFC return amid speculation of facing Charles Oliveira
Alexander Volkanovski has shed light on who he is likely to fight upon his return to the octagon, and it doesn't seem to be lightweight fan favorite Charles Oliviera.
Reports recently began circling the MMA world that 'The Great' would face Oliveira in an epic clash. But having been handed his first loss at featherweight by Ilia Topuria at UFC 298, Volkanovski has indicated he will likely face the winner of the new champion's upcoming title fight with Max Holloway.
The pair will headline an incredible night of fights at UFC 308 in October, with the Georgian-Spaniard's featherweight title on the line.
During a recent interview with Sky Sports NZ, the former featherweight champion discussed his return to fighting, saying:
"I love to be active but at the same time I need the right fights. It's easy to be active and get the right fights when you're champion... Me taking a fight just to stay busy doesn't make sense."
He continued:
"Yeah for sure [I'll face the winner of Topuria vs. Holloway]. That's exactly what's happening. I can wait, if I don't want to wait I can do something else, or just wait... That's probably what I'm going to do. I could have done a lightweight fight, there's a lot of exciting fights there."
Watch Alexander Volkanovski's interview below (11:30):
Alexander Volkanovski teases role as back-up fighter for Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway
Ilia Topuria announced himself as a force to be reckoned with after handing Alexander Volkanovski his first ever loss at featherweight when the pair clashed at UFC 298.
'El Matador' will now face Max Holloway, who is fresh off the back of arguably his career-best performance, a stunning last-second knockout over Justin Gaethje at UFC 300 to win the BMF title.
With Volkanovski having expressed his eagerness to face Topuria in a rematch, he shared an interesting response to being asked if he could serve as the emergency replacement for the UFC 308 main event.
During a recent fan Q&A in Australia, 'The Great' said:
"I reckon I'll be there, you know what I mean. I'm usually hanging around, pestering my managers and the matchmakers. I'm always hanging around, you can't get rid of me. I'll be there."
Watch Alexander Volkanovski's comments below (9:10):