Dana White Confirms Ilia Topuria and Alexander Volkanovski Rematch is Next

By Tim Burke October 28, 2024 09:28 GMT+4 min read

Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

The MMA world is fast-paced. Minutes after Ilia Topuria's knockout victory over BMF champion Max Holloway, the UFC presented Topuria with his next fight.

As Topuria was talking to Daniel Cormier in his post-fight interview inside the octagon, Alexander Volkanovski entered the cage.

Dana White confirmed on Saturday that Ilia Topuria's next opponent will be Alexander Volkanovski. "If someone deserves it, it is him. Let's fight brother." Topuria told Volkanovski on Saturday.

Alexander Volkanovski was champion for four years and defended his title five times. He is worthy of another title shot. However, his recent struggles cannot be denied. He has lost three of his last four fights, two of them by stoppage, and two of those losses were in a different weight class.

Nonetheless, the featherweight division has plenty of worthy contenders, such as Diego Lopes, who has three wins in 2024. Lopes defeated longtime featherweight contender Brian Ortega at UFC 306 and was the backup fighter for UFC 308's main event. Lopes has earned a title shot. Nonetheless, the UFC has decided to support Topuria vs. Volkanovski 2.

"Volkanovski is one of those guys; we're not going to say no to Volkanovski. He's been that guy for us anytime we've needed him. You know he was on this run like Adesanya, and like Alex [Pereira] is on right now. When things don't go our way and you got to call a guy, Volkanovski has always been that guy. He really was. I don't think anyone in this room thinks this is crazy is going this is ridiculous or crazy, and who wouldn't want to see it again." Dana White stated at the UFC 308 post-fight press conference.

Dana White and the UFC sticking with Volkanovski is an admirable decision, as Volk has done so much for the UFC and the fans that he deserves the respect of being in a big fight.

The UFC recently announced that UFC 312 will be held on February 9th in Sydney, Australia, Volkanovski's backyard. When asked about the event, Topuria expressed willingness: "If it has to happen in Australia, we will go there. I'm very used to fighting in enemy territory," Topuria told Main Event TV.

Ilia Topuria's upcoming fight against Alexander Volkanovski highlights the UFC's commitment to honoring fighters who have significantly contributed to the sport despite Volkanovski's recent struggles. This matchup not only promises excitement for fans but also underscores the dynamic nature of the featherweight division. Alexander Volkanovski faces immense pressure to reclaim his former glory. Having been a dominant champion, his recent setbacks have left fans and pundits questioning his ability to bounce back.

Does the UFC's decision to favor Volk over emerging talent like Diego Lopes negatively impact the competitive landscape of the featherweight division? No, because it sells.

Can Volkanovski defeat Ilia Topuria? Can he restore his legacy as the greatest featherweight of all time? Those questions are what makes Topuria vs. Volkanovski 2 a compelling fight that will sell Pay-Per-Views, and it is precisely why the UFC is booking Volkanovski for the next title shot over Diego Lopes.