Volkanovski maintains desire for revenge: “Rematch in lightweight would be amazing”

Ilia Topuria took the featherweight belt from Alexander Volkanovski over a year ago, and now his goal is to claim the lightweight title—a division where the Australian has already challenged the current champion, Islam Makhachev. The aim remains the same.

Volkanovski recently spoke to American journalist Ariel Helwani about El Matador’s situation and his desire for a rematch with him at 155 pounds. “And hey, if we do it, maybe it’ll be at lightweight. Double champion again? Maybe,” the Australian declared.

Volkanovski was unable to stop the rising Topuria and lost his crown. After Topuria’s first defense against Max Holloway, many expected a rematch with Volkanovski, but the Australian had other plans. “In a perfect world, we would have had that rematch to win back the belt, but that didn’t happen,” he explained.

‘Then we have the rematch at lightweight. God... that would be incredible’

Topuria vacated the featherweight belt to pursue the lightweight title. Meanwhile, Volkanovski regained the featherweight belt just over a month ago by defeating Diego Lopes on points. “We have to respect what he’s doing. He wants to move up to lightweight. He’s done with featherweight; now he wants to go for lightweight. Let him do his thing,” Volkanovski said.

Even though they’re now in different weight classes, Volkanovski is still thinking about a rematch.“If I defend again, does that put me in position? Imagine this: he wins, and then we have the rematch at lightweight. God... that would be incredible. It doesn’t get any bigger than that. That’s my perfect world,” he dreamed.

Topuria is set to fight Charles Oliveira on June 28 in Las Vegas at UFC 317, during International Fight Week, for the lightweight belt. Makhachev vacated the title after announcing his move up to welterweight, where he will challenge Jack Della Maddalena for the title following his friend Belal Muhammad’s loss of the crown.

Related stories

UFC

Oliveira names his toughest ever boxing opponent

UFC

Oliveira threatens Topuria: “That’s for real”

“Some things have to fall into place for that to happen. And that, obviously, will take time,” Volkanovski concluded, eager to make another assault on the lightweight division. A Volkanovski vs. Topuria rematch is something fans would surely love to see.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.