UFC featherweight champion [autotag]Alexander Volkanovski[/autotag]’s plans remain the same: Fight [autotag]Ilia Topuria[/autotag] in January.
Volkanovski is adamant about a quick return to the octagon, despite getting knocked out this past Saturday in a rematch against Islam Makhachev at UFC 294. Volkanovski (26-3 MMA, 13-2 UFC) had been rumored for a title defense against Topuria in January prior to taking the short-notice fight against Makhachev (25-1 MMA, 14-1 UFC). And even after getting stopped for the first time in his UFC career in violent fashion, Volkanovski’s sights are still set on that first UFC pay-per-view of 2024.
“I talked to the UFC and I said keep me busy, and I say that because, again, I’m in my prime, I need to fight,” Volkanovski said on his YouTube channel. “A lot of people are like, ‘He needs a break and this.’ I don’t need a break. I want to get back in camp.
“I obviously talked to doctors to make sure there’s no concussion, the stitches and what not, but like I said I’m the best version of myself inside and outside the cage when I have a clear direction. And clear direction is having a fight. I think January still looks great to me. Ilia Topuria is obviously a very exciting fight, and I can shift all of my attention to that. You’re going to see a better version of myself in January, I promise you that. I cannot wait for it. Again, I’m all good, and thank you all for the support.”
Volkanovski had gone up to lightweight hoping to capture a second UFC title. Prior to that, he had fought in July when he defended his belt against dangerous striker Yair Rodriguez at UFC 290. He won that fight by TKO.
Volkanovski had arm surgery shortly after the fight in August and took the rematch with Makhachev on less than two weeks’ notice. Despite the unfavorable result, the 35-year-old doesn’t regret his decision to take the short-notice bout at UFC 294.
“I still stand by that decision because I believe in myself all the time, and I think people should challenge themselves,” Volkanovski said. “I’ve been a big advocate for people to challenge themselves and put themselves in this position. High risk, high reward, I’m a big believer in that.
“I was chasing greatness. I think I’m a little disappointed that I wasn’t the professional and disciplined person that I was the last few months that I usually am. So the timing of this fight coming while I wasn’t in the gym as much as I’d like to be. I wasn’t getting the rounds I usually am, and that’s what you’ve seen.”
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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 294.