All indicators appear to be pointing towards an Ilia
Topuria-Alexander
Volkanovski rematch after UFC
308.
Topuria made his first featherweight title protection on Saturday, as
he knocked out Max
Holloway within the third spherical of their headlining conflict at Etihad
Enviornment in Abu Dhabi. After the bout, Volkanovski entered the cage to
congratulate “El Matador,” seemingly setting the stage for a
rematch.
“I advised the UFC I wished to go in [the Octagon]. They let me do
that, so I recognize that,” Volkanovski advised ESPN. “Dana [White], Hunter [Campbell], thanks. At
the identical time, he goes, ‘I need to let him have his second.’ I’ll
give him his second. I’ll be respectful as a result of his household is in
there. I’m like, ‘Mate, I’ve been respectful. I’ve been getting
alongside. I’ve been hugging his household the entire time. We’re good. I’m
going to go in there, give him his second, however on the similar time let
everybody know what we’re doing, simply construct that battle up just a little
bit, simply sufficient to let everybody know I’m subsequent. However on the similar
time, give him his respect.’”
Topuria claimed the 145-pound belt with a second-round knockout of
Volkanovski of UFC 298 this previous February. Previous to that, he Metropolis
Kickboxing standout had not misplaced at featherweight within the UFC,
making 5 profitable title defenses alongside the way in which. Due to
that observe file, it seems that Volkanovski will get a rematch
with Topuria within the close to future.
“Pay attention, Volkanovski’s a kind of guys, we’re not going to say no
to Volkanovski,” UFC CEO Dana White stated on the UFC 308 post-fight
press convention. “He’s been that man for us. Any time we wanted
him. He was on this run like [Israel] Adesanya, like Alex [Pereira]
is on proper now, when issues don’t go our means, and also you’ve bought to
name a man, Volkanovski’s at all times been that man. He actually was.
“I don’t assume anyone’s on this room going ‘oh that is ridiculous
or loopy’ and who wouldn’t need to see it once more?”
Topuria additionally acknowledged that he’s keen to offer Volkanovski a
rematch. Nonetheless, the champion made it clear that such a battle will
occur
solely on his phrases.
