Credit: Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski wants to run it back with Ilia Topuria before hanging up the gloves following UFC 333.
Alexander Volkanovski handed Movsar Evloev the first loss of his career last Saturday at UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi. Volkanovski finished Evloev in Round 2 of their UFC 333 headliner, fulfilling the pre-fight prediction he made in the lead-up to the bout.
Ahead of UFC 333, Volkanovski called out lightweight titleholder Justin Gaethje for a super fight. Volkanovski proposed that he and Gaethje both retire following their fight, as two of the sport’s greatest legends hang up the gloves together.
But amidst Gaethje’s uncertain future, including whether or not he’ll fight again, Volkanovski has a strong Plan B in a former featherweight rival.
Alexander Volkanovski vs. Ilia Topuria 2? Champ proposes rematch after UFC 333
In a recent media scrum, Volkanovski pitched a rematch with Topuria for the lightweight title if Gaethje retires.
“Lightweight title? That would be great to get that win back as well. Gaethje took that 0, so I can’t say I can take that,
‘Nothing against him. He’s a great fighter, great dude, and we get along. But at the same time, I’m a competitor, and I’d love to test myself against him. That would be great – but I think, just how would that work? It probably doesn’t make sense. Gaethje or, if he retires,
“Maybe I could fight [Topuria] and win, lose, or draw; I’d retire so I wouldn’t hold the division up.”
Topuria knocked out Volkanovski to win the UFC featherweight title at UFC 298. The former two-division champ went on to finish Max Holloway in his lone featherweight title defense at UFC 308.
Topuria lost to Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250 earlier this year and envisions fighting for the lightweight title in his return. If Gaethje vacates, don’t be surprised if Volkanovski vs. Topuria 2 becomes the next lightweight title fight.
What is your prediction for a potential Alexander Volkanovski vs. Ilia Topuria rematch? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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