‘Actual’ model reveals up in Ilia Topuria rematch

Alexander Volkanovski is keen for his probability to run issues again with UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria.

Volkanovski (26-4 MMA, 13-3 UFC) misplaced his featherweight title to Topuria (15-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC) by second-round knockout in February at UFC 298. Topuria is angling for his first title protection to be towards Max Holloway, then needs a stadium combat vs. Conor McGregor in Spain.

Volkanovski doesn’t put an excessive amount of inventory into Topuria’s daring ambitions and hopes to rematch Topuria if he will get previous Holloway. Volkanovski fought Topuria lower than 4 months after getting knocked out by Islam Makhachev at UFC 294 and is assured he’d be a significantly better model in a rematch towards Topuria.

“Ilia is a good fighter – let’s see as a result of the following Volkanovski goes to show up,” Volkanovski instructed The AllStar. “The true Volkanovski, I assure you that, and let’s see if Ilia can deal with that. Once more, I’m not taking something away from him, I’m not saying he can’t. He’s clearly acquired heavy arms. He’s clearly acquired good ability, however I would like him to be examined towards the very best model of myself or all the highest guys and actually show himself.”

Volkanovski was uncharacteristically tentative towards Topuria however stated he received’t make that very same mistake in the event that they combat once more.

“You’re not going to see a timid Volk. You’re going to see a Volk that fights his combat,” Volkanovski stated. “You wish to be put in entrance of me and put your self able to land bombs, be prepared for one coming straight again at you.”

With Topuria vs. Holloway but to have a scheduled date, it might be a protracted look forward to Volkanovski. The previous featherweight champion is keen to combat once more within the meantime – however solely at light-weight.

“You discover me an thrilling combat, perhaps within the light-weight division or one thing, like that that’s enjoyable, perhaps as a result of I received’t wish to wait too lengthy,” Volkanovski stated. “Perhaps we might put one thing on the market, however my subsequent featherweight combat is for the belt. Clearly you had just a few individuals name me out, which credit score to them. … However consider me: I’m not in that place the place I must combat anyone else however the champ.”