Alexander Volkanovski outlines "perfect world" scenario involving Ilia Topuria ahead of UFC 308: "I've waited long enough"
Alexander Volkanovski recently discussed his future in the sport and singled out a rematch with Ilia Topuria as his ideal next fight. However, Volkanovski isn't convinced that a sequel with Topuria will take place anytime soon.
Volkanovski attended UAE Warriors 55 this past Tuesday in Abu Dhabi. During the event, the former champion spoke to Mike Bohn of MMA Junkie and expressed his desire for a Topuria rematch at UFC 312 in Sydney, Australia, next year:
''Perfect world is Ilia in Sydney.''
Volkanovski expressed his concerns regarding his rematch with Topuria, asserting that if the Spaniard defeats Max Holloway at UFC 308, he won't accept such a quick turnaround.
''My head's telling me, if Ilia [Topuria] wins, he's not fighting probably straight away and he's not fighting in Sydney definitely. Max [Holloway] would fight in Sydney but he'll probably do BMF and probably fight featherweight a bit later. So while that's happening maybe I dance for an interim or something. So again it's just the only reason why I bring that up is just cuz I want to fight soon... I've waited long enough... So, perfect world would be Ilia in February but in Sydney but I just don't know if that's likely.''
Check out Alexander Volkanovski's comments below (5:03):
Following his unsuccessful attempt at the UFC lightweight title against Islam Makhachev, Volkanovski returned to his division and put his featherweight title on the line against Topuria at UFC 298 earlier this year. The 36-year-old suffered a devastating second-round knockout loss.
Topuria is set to make his first title defense at UFC 308 this Saturday against Holloway, who Volkanovski defeated thrice.
Alexander Volkanovski backs Max Holloway to win at UFC 308
In his aforementioned interview with MMA Junkie, Alexander Volkanovski stated that an Ilia Topuria win at UFC 308 will probably result in him competing for the featherweight title later on.
However, Max Holloway, who fights more frequently and is said to be easier to work with, may be willing to face Volkanovski at UFC 312 in Sydney, assuming the Hawaiian prevails against Topuria. In an interview with Submission Radio, 'The Great' had this to say about the UFC 308 headlining bout:
"What makes it likely that I fight soon and fight here in Sydney is Max winning [at UFC 308]. I think the chance of me fighting in Australia in Sydney in February is if Max wins. The chance is a lot higher and I am picking him to win."
Check out Alexander Volkanovski's comments below (1:12):