Alexander Volkanovski provided his response to renewed rumors {that a} struggle between Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev could possibly be coming sooner somewhat than later.

Throughout an interview with Fox Sports activities Australia, Topuria, the reigning UFC featherweight titleholder, made it clear that if he will get his want, his subsequent struggle will probably be in opposition to light-weight champion Islam Makhachev, which might give him the chance to grow to be simply the fifth fighter in UFC historical past to acquire champ-champ standing.

“That is one thing that I need to do, the UFC is aware of that,” Topuria stated of a struggle with Makhachev. “However on the finish of the day, that is one thing that the UFC decides. They know the way to run the enterprise. They’ve plenty of expertise. So, in the event that they inform me they need me to maintain defending the belt within the 145-pound division, perhaps I’ll try this. But when they let me go as much as 155, I’ll try this additionally and be very glad.”

Getting wind of Topuria’s feedback, Volkanovski remains to be holding out hope that he’ll get the prospect to run it again with ‘El Matador’ earlier than he runs off to a different weight class. But when the UFC decides to e-book Topuria vs. Makahchev subsequent, then so be it.

“I don’t need to get in the best way of somebody’s [title dream]. I clearly need that [Topuria] struggle,” Volkanovski informed Niko Pajarillo in his personal interview with Fox Sports activities Australia. “It’s gonna suck, as a result of I’d love that. If the UFC need [Makhachev vs. Topuria], and [Topuria] is pushing for it and so they could make that occur, then alright. Good on them. But when they will’t make it occur, let’s not waste time and let’s lock our struggle in. That’s form of how it’s. But when they will make it occur, candy.”

If Ilia Topuria stays at 145, Volkanovski is subsequent up

Fortunately for Volkanovski, Topuria isn’t denying the truth that he’s subsequent in line for a shot on the 145-pound crown.

“Yeah, if I keep in 145 nobody else deserves the struggle greater than him,” Topuria stated of Volkanovski. “I’ve to present him the rematch as a result of he deserves that. It’s not one thing that I determine. He owns his shot. So, if I keep at 145, I’ll try this.”

Placing the featherweight title on the road at UFC 298, Volkanovski suffered a vicious second-round knockout in opposition to Topuria. Since then, ‘El Matador’ has efficiently defended his crown, changing into the primary fighter to KO former titleholder Max ‘Blessed’ Holloway in October.

Volkanovski has not competed because the loss to Topuria, opting to take some much-needed day off to heal after combating thrice in each 2022 and 2023.