Might an Final Preventing Championship (UFC) interim Featherweight title be in play?
Ilia Topuria notched his first-ever Featherweight title protection at UFC 308 this previous weekend (Sat., Oct. 26, 2024), turning into the first-ever fighter to knockout Max Holloway within the course of (watch highlights).
After his win inside Etihad Enviornment in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Topuria granted his former foe, Alexander Volkanovski, a much-deserved rematch. And UFC CEO, Dana White, additionally agreed that the combat would occur subsequent for “El Matador.”
Nevertheless, Topuria desires a while to relaxation and benefit from the upcoming vacation season — he possible will not return till mid-2025, which is when he hopes to defend his 145-pound strap in Spain.
And that’s problematic.
Volkanovski does not need to keep out of motion for that lengthy. He final competed contained in the Octagon at UFC 298, dropping his title to Topuria through knockout (watch highlights). If Topuria plans to combat six or seven months from now, “The Nice” desires a house sport at UFC 312, which takes place in Sydney, Australia, on Feb. 9, 2025.
Another person who was in attendance on “Combat Island” — and was the official “Plan B” for Topuria versus Holloway — was top-ranked contender (No. 3), Diego Lopes. Right this moment (Tues., Oct. 29, 2024), Lopes instructed Ariel Helwani he is agreed to combat Volkanovski … and even urged or not it’s for an interim title?
“Ilia talked about on Saturday evening that he wished to take a while off,” Lopes mentioned in Spanish through a translator. “Additionally, UFC talked about that they are not likely engaged on a date for Spain. He feels that whereas that is all occurring, it could take advantage of sense for him to simply combat Volk in Sydney for the interim title.
“Volk has already urged this,” the translator continued. “I’ve already agreed to it — let’s simply do it.”
An interim title combat in February would make zero sense on this scenario, particularly because the undisputed crown would have been defended actually three months prior.
Having mentioned that, there’s precedent …
For full UFC 308 outcomes, protection and highlights click on HERE.
