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Alexander Volkanovski is gearing up for a return to the octagon by the end of 2024, but he's laser-focused on one thing if he steps back into the featherweight division: a title fight.
After a shocking defeat to Ilia Topuria in February, which cost him the 145-pound championship, Volkanovski was eager for an immediate rematch. However, he also recognized the need to take a break after consecutive knockouts. During his well-deserved hiatus, Max Holloway stunned fans with a knockout victory over Justin Gaethje at UFC 300. He announced his plans to return to featherweight, aiming to challenge Topuria for the title.
Holloway is likely to get his wish, with all signs pointing to a matchup against Topuria at UFC 306 in September. This leaves Volkanovski temporarily sidelined, but he's using this time to consider other exciting opportunities.
"Things that excite me in featherweight are just the belt," Volkanovski shared on Israel Adesanya’s YouTube channel. "Obviously, the rematch with Ilia Topuria and the belt, right? That's big. And then, to be honest, exciting big fights. I like that too. With featherweight, I’m still that competitor. This is my division; I’m getting it back. I want that win back. Things like that. It’s going to be there."
Volkanovski has already attempted to capture the UFC lightweight title twice, falling short on both occasions against Islam Makhachev. Despite these setbacks, he's not ruling out a return to the 155-pound division, especially if the UFC offers him a high-profile fight while he waits for his featherweight title shot.
“I did say I don’t want to wait too long either,” Volkanovski explained. “I’m in a position now where if they do that and they want me to fight bloody March or something or April, I’m going to fight at lightweight. Give me that. That’s still exciting."
Volkanovski is eyeing potential lightweight matchups, specifically mentioning Charles Oliveira and Dustin Poirier.
"I did call out Poirier. He’s a great dude, we get along. I think he’s a good man, and obviously, he’s a big fun fight. There’s history there with mutual opponents we fought. He used to fight at featherweight, things like that. And obviously, a big name, a fun fight that would be. So that’s exciting.”
With neither Oliveira nor Poirier currently booked for upcoming fights, these matchups could be viable options for Volkanovski as he navigates his return.
Volkanovski has never been one to shy away from competition across weight divisions. With Holloway and Topuria likely clashing before year’s end, Volkanovski might have to wait until 2025 for another featherweight title shot. In the meantime, a lightweight bout could keep him active, provide a significant payday, and allow him to maintain his competitive edge.
As 2024 progresses, fans eagerly anticipate Volkanovski’s next move, whether it be reclaiming his featherweight throne or taking on new challenges in the lightweight division.
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