Alexander Volkanovski is concentrating on a return to motion by the tip of 2024 however he’s solely involved in going again to featherweight if there’s a title on the road.
Following a surprising loss to Ilia Topuria again in February that value him the 145-pound belt, Volkanovski started calling for an instantaneous rematch however he additionally knew he wanted day off to get well from back-to-back knockouts. Throughout Volkanovski’s a lot deserved hiatus, Max Holloway pulled off a jaw-dropping knockout over Justin Gaethje at UFC 300 after which declared plans to return to featherweight with hopes that he might problem Topuria for the title.
Holloway will probably get his want with all indicators pointing towards a matchup towards Topuria at UFC 306 in September. That leaves Volkanovski because the odd man out however he’s understanding given the scenario so he has designs on another plans within the meantime.
“Issues that excite me, in featherweight it’s simply the belt,” Volkanovski mentioned on Israel Adesanya’s YouTube channel. “Clearly the rematch [with Ilia Topuria] and the belt, proper? That’s large after which to be trustworthy, thrilling large fights. I like that, too. With featherweight, I’m nonetheless that competitor the place like that is my division, I’m getting it again. I would like that win again. Issues like that. It’s going to be there.
“However light-weight, let’s have some enjoyable whereas we’re ready. They’re most likely going to do Max [Holloway] and Ilia in September. As a result of I instructed the UFC I didn’t need to battle till later within the 12 months. Like I mentioned, I’m actually dedicated to that in my head. Now I began coaching I’m like I want I didn’t inform them that!”
Volkanovski took two stabs at successful the UFC light-weight title however got here up quick on each events with losses to Islam Makhachev.
These setbacks received’t cease Volkanovski from returning to 155 kilos, particularly if the UFC might supply him a marquee matchup within the division whereas he’s ready for his probability to battle for gold at featherweight.
“I did say I don’t need to wait too lengthy both,” Volkanovski defined. “I’m able now the place in the event that they do this and so they need me to battle bloody March or one thing or April, I’m going to battle at light-weight. Give me that. That’s nonetheless thrilling.
“So I would like an thrilling battle like a Charles Oliveira. I did name out [Dustin] Poirier. He’s a fantastic dude, we get alongside, I feel he’s an excellent man and clearly he’s a giant enjoyable battle. There’s historical past there with mutual opponents we fought. He used to battle at featherweight, issues like that and clearly a giant identify, a enjoyable battle that might be. In order that’s thrilling.”
Neither Oliveira or Poirier have been booked for a battle since competing in April and June respectively so these choices might doubtlessly be accessible for Volkanovski.
He’s by no means shied away from in search of out competitors from totally different weight divisions however now may be the proper time to discover these potentialities.
With Holloway and Topuria almost definitely assembly earlier than the tip of the 12 months, Volkanovksi would virtually actually have to attend till 2025 for an additional shot on the featherweight title. So getting a matchup at light-weight could possibly be the proper means for Volkanovski to remain busy, earn a hefty payday after which flip his consideration again to featherweight within the new calendar 12 months.
“Simply no matter excites me,” Volkanosvki mentioned. “The belt excites me. Ilia rematch clearly excites me. That’s the primary factor at featherweight. Like I wouldn’t simply battle anybody in featherweight. As a result of my subsequent battle’s for the title and that’s that.
“The UFC is aware of that and I do know that. At light-weight, we are able to have a little bit of enjoyable. One thing thrilling A giant battle that excites me.”
