There is not a delegated again up fighter (that we all know of) for UFC 304’s Welterweight title struggle principal occasion between the champion, Leon Edwards, and challenger, Belal Muhammad. Fortunately for UFC, Alexander Volkanovski is in Manchester, England for the festivities this weekend (Sat., July 27, 2024).
Volkanovski, 35, has been out of motion since he misplaced his Featherweight title to Ilia Topuria at UFC 298 in February 2024 (watch highlights). “The Nice” has opted to take an prolonged break after back-to-back knockout losses that first began with Light-weight champion, Islam Makhachev, in October 2023, adopted by the Topuria final result.
The Makhachev rematch got here on roughly two weeks’ discover for Volkanovski and felt like a possibility he could not go up on, as he described on the time. Having fought as excessive as Welterweight earlier than in his 30-fight profession (26-4), Volkanovski does not suppose he’d have a lot of an issue saving the day once more if wanted.
“You by no means know. The Welterweights? The Heavyweights? Mate, imagine it or not, I’d do it,” Volkanovski instructed The Mac Life. “Good paycheck for that one.
“I’m good mates with Leon, however for those who’re gonna save the day, you’re gonna save the day,” he continued. “He’s an ideal fighter in order that’s gonna be a troublesome struggle. This isn’t disrespectful, stylistically, Belal, he’s gonna be offended by that. I’m not attempting to offend you however that’s a struggle that I imagine I might do. Leon Edwards, clearly, I imagine in myself on a regular basis however Leon’s good. He’s very, very threatening in so many areas. I’m not saying Belal’s not, however clearly, Belal’s extra technique, good recreation plan, and calculated. That’s compliments, however I imply that stuff, you want greater than that to beat me. Out-strategizing me goes to be very, very onerous.”
Volkanovki’s first profession loss got here in a Welterweight bout towards Corey Nelson on the Australian regional scene in Might 2013. Just like Makhachev, Nelson took out the longer term UFC legend with a head kick and punches.
On a extra life like observe, Volkanovski maintains that his return can be a Featherweight title struggle.
Do not forget that MMAmania.com will ship LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow protection of the complete UFC 304 struggle card proper right here, beginning with the early ESPN+ “Prelims” matches on-line, that are scheduled to start at 6 p.m. ET (simulcast on ESPN2 at 8 p.m. ET), earlier than the pay-per-view (PPV) principal card begin time at 10 p.m. ET (additionally on ESPN+).
To take a look at the newest and biggest UFC 304: “Edwards vs. Belal 2” information and notes make sure to hit up our complete occasion archive proper right here.
