Alexander Volkanovski hopes he can get the chance to rematch Ilia Topuria at UFC 312.
However first featherweight champion Topuria (15-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC) has to get previous Max Holloway (26-7 MMA, 22-7 UFC) in Saturday’s UFC 308 (pay-per-view, ESPN+) headliner at Etihad Area in Abu Dhabi.
Volkanovski says the UFC promised him a title combat subsequent, and if Topuria is victorious, “The Nice” will look to avenge his loss towards the person who dethroned him. After greater than a 12 months off, Volkanovski is keen to return at UFC 312, which takes place Feb. 8 in Sydney.
”Good world is Ilia in Sydney,” Volkanovski advised MMA Junkie. “However my head’s telling me if Ilia wins, he’s not preventing in all probability right away, and he’s not preventing in Sydney positively. Max would combat in Sydney, however he’ll in all probability do BMF and doubtless combat featherweight a bit later. So, whereas that’s taking place possibly I dance for an interim or one thing.
“So once more, it’s simply – the one purpose why I convey that up is simply because I wish to combat quickly. … I’ve waited lengthy sufficient, I’ve rested, did what I needed to do, however now able to get again in there. So, excellent world could be Ilia in February however in Sydney, however I simply don’t know if that’s probably.”
Volkanovski’s inkling was right. Topuria stated if the pair do find yourself operating issues again, will probably be on his residence turf.
“That’s by no means going to occur,” Topuria stated throughout Wednesday’s UFC 308 media day. “I’m the champion, and if you wish to combat for the title once more, it must be in Madrid as a substitute of preventing in Australia in entrance of your individuals. Why I’d provide you with that benefit?”
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