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 battle 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 informed MMA Junkie. “However my head’s telling me if Ilia wins, he’s not combating in all probability right away, and he’s not combating in Sydney undoubtedly. Max would battle in Sydney, however he’ll in all probability do BMF and doubtless battle featherweight a bit later. So, whereas that’s taking place perhaps I dance for an interim or one thing.
“So once more, it’s simply – the one cause why I carry that up is simply because I wish to battle 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 can be Ilia in February however in Sydney, however I simply don’t know if that’s seemingly.”
Volkanovski’s inkling was appropriate. Topuria stated if the pair do find yourself working issues again, it will likely be on his dwelling 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 battle for the title once more, it needs to be in Madrid as an alternative of combating in Australia in entrance of your individuals. Why I might offer you that benefit?”
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