With Topuria’s dominance and Volkanovski’s resilience, a rematch seems like an inevitable next step in the UFC featherweight division
Whether the fight happens depends on Topuria’s ultimate decision—does he stay at 145 and give Volkanovski another shot, or does he chase history at lightweight? Regardless of the outcome, the MMA world is eager to see how this rivalry unfolds.
The debate over whether Ilia Topuria should have accepted the fight against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 313 will continue until more details emerge.
While weight-cutting concerns are valid, the UFC’s elite fighters are expected to be prepared for opportunities at any time.
If Topuria wants to solidify his position as the next rightful challenger, he will need to step up and take on Volkanovski sooner rather than later.
Until then, the MMA world will keep a close eye on how this situation unfolds and what it means for the featherweight division’s future.
Also Read: Ilia Topuria Unleashes on Usman Nurmagomedov in Makhachev Feud
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Ilia Topuria’s Alternative Route to Victory Against Alexander Volkanovski
A Rivalry Renewed: Topuria vs. Volkanovski II?
The UFC featherweight division has witnessed one of its most thrilling shake-ups in recent years with Ilia Topuria’s rise to the top.1
The undefeated Spaniard stunned the MMA world when he knocked out Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298, claiming the championship in emphatic fashion.
While Topuria solidified his reign with another knockout victory over Max Holloway at UFC 308, his future remains uncertain as he eyes a move to lightweight.
However, a rematch with Volkanovski looms as a compelling possibility, with both fighters seemingly interested in running it back.
Dominant First Encounter: A Reflection on UFC 298
Topuria’s first bout against Volkanovski was a showcase of power, precision, and tactical execution. ‘The Great’ had long been considered one of the most dominant featherweights in history, but Topuria dismantled him in just two rounds.
The victory was not just a changing of the guard; it was a statement that the new era had arrived. Many fans and analysts believe that Volkanovski, a warrior with a history of bouncing back stronger, deserves another shot at redemption.
If Topuria did indeed decline the fight, it could suggest a strategic move rather than outright avoidance. Topuria may be aiming for a full training camp and a specific timeline to maximize his performance against one of the most well-rounded champions in UFC history.
Ilia Topuria: Staying at 145 or Moving to Lightweight?
Following his triumph over Holloway at UFC 308, Topuria teased a potential move to lightweight, where he could challenge Islam Makhachev for the 155-pound title.2
However, Volkanovski remains an undeniable force in the featherweight division, and Topuria himself acknowledged that the Australian has earned a rematch.
“If I stay at 145 [pounds], no one deserves the fight more than [Volkanovski],” Topuria said in a recent interview with Main Event. “I have to give him the rematch, because he deserves that. It’s not something that I decide, he owns his shot.”
Alexander Volkanovski has not shied away from addressing potential challengers. As a dominant champion, he has expressed his willingness to fight anyone in the division. While he has yet to comment directly on Hooker’s claims, his previous statements indicate that he is ready for any opponent who steps up.
Islam, if I want to, I can finish you.if I want to, I can knock you out. I’ll make it look easy. Se you soon 😉
— Ilia Topuria (@Topuriailia) January 19, 2025
The Psychology of a Champion: Why Topuria Feels a Rematch Is Inevitable
Topuria’s confidence is undeniable. He has positioned himself as the representative of the new generation of mixed martial artists. While he respects Volkanovski, he remains certain of another dominant performance if they clash again.
“I don’t want to do it again, because I like Volk and I know what’s going to happen if we face each other again,” Topuria added.
“Of course it’s the same thing, as I always said, I represent the new generation of mixed martial arts… I know what’s going to happen. Maybe next time instead of knocking him out, I will submit him.”
Ilia Topuria: Submission Over Knockout?
Topuria’s words hint at an alternative route to victory in a potential rematch.3
While his striking proved too much for Volkanovski at UFC 298, he believes his grappling could secure him an even more emphatic win next time.
The Spanish fighter is a well-rounded martial artist, with a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt to complement his striking prowess.
While Volkanovski has demonstrated high-level takedown defense and an ability to recover from bad positions, Topuria’s submission threat could present an entirely new set of challenges.
Analyzing the Ground Game: Could Topuria Tap Out Volkanovski?
Despite Volkanovski’s elite-level wrestling and scrambling ability, Topuria’s submission skills should not be underestimated.
He has secured multiple victories via submission in his career, including a rear-naked choke win over Damon Jackson and an arm-triangle choke finish against Jai Herbert.
If he chooses to approach the rematch differently, he may aim to drag Volkanovski into deep waters on the ground rather than relying solely on his striking.
Volkanovski’s Road to Redemption: Can ‘The Great’ Make Adjustments?
Volkanovski has built a career on resilience and adaptability. After losing to Islam Makhachev in their first fight, he made key adjustments in their rematch and put up a much stronger performance. If he gets another shot at Topuria, it’s likely he will come with a new game plan.
Some potential adjustments Volkanovski might make include:
- Improved Defensive Head Movement: Avoiding Topuria’s power shots early on.
- Strategic Wrestling: Testing Topuria’s endurance with clinch work and takedown attempts.
- Leg Kicks & Distance Control: Slowing down Topuria’s movement to limit his explosiveness.
A second fight between these two elite competitors would not only settle the score but also define the future of the 145-pound division.
If Topuria wins again—especially with a submission—it cements his legacy as the most dominant featherweight of his era. For Volkanovski, a victory would prove his ability to adapt and reclaim his throne.
Ilia Topuria’s Meteoric Rise in the Featherweight Division
Ilia Topuria has quickly established himself as one of the most dangerous contenders in the UFC’s featherweight division.
With an undefeated record and dominant performances against top-tier opponents, the Georgian-Spanish fighter has been knocking on the door of a title shot.
His recent victory over Josh Emmett at UFC Jacksonville in June 2023 solidified his status as a top contender.
Given his impressive resume, a fight between Topuria and Volkanovski would have been a blockbuster showdown.
However, the controversy surrounding his alleged refusal to take the fight raises questions about his readiness to challenge for the championship.
The Weight-Cutting Debate: Legitimate Concern or Avoidance?
Weight-cutting has always been a contentious issue in MMA, with fighters often struggling to make the required limits.
Topuria’s claim that he needed six months to prepare for the cut could be seen as a reasonable precaution, especially considering the toll extreme weight cuts take on athletes.
On the other hand, Volkanovski has been known for his discipline and ability to make weight without issues. Many fighters, including Hooker, perceive Topuria’s hesitation as an excuse rather than a necessity.
If the weight cut was truly an obstacle, some argue that Topuria’s team should have ensured he remained within a manageable range in anticipation of a potential title shot.
Ilia Topuria: The UFC’s Perspective
Booking the Right Fights at the Right Time
From the UFC’s standpoint, a fight between Volkanovski and Topuria would generate immense hype.
However, with UFC 313 already featuring marquee matchups, Dana White and the UFC brass may have been content with postponing the featherweight title fight to a later date.
If Topuria genuinely needed more time to prepare, the UFC could be willing to accommodate his request to ensure a high-quality contest.
On the flip side, declining a title shot could be viewed as a missed opportunity, potentially allowing another contender to leapfrog Topuria in the pecking order.
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The Impact on Topuria’s Reputation
Ilia Topuria has built a reputation as a fearless and aggressive fighter, but declining a fight with Volkanovski—if true—could tarnish that image.
Fighters in the UFC are expected to seize opportunities, and fans may start questioning whether Topuria is truly ready for championship-level competition.
However, if Topuria eventually accepts a title fight later in 2024 and puts on a dominant performance, this controversy will likely be forgotten.
His best course of action would be to address the situation directly and clarify his stance on why he wasn’t available for UFC 313.
What’s Next for UFC 313?
Despite the drama surrounding the Volkanovski-Topuria situation, UFC 313 remains a must-watch event.
The Pereira vs. Ankalaev main event is set to deliver high-level striking and intense action, while the Hooker vs. Gaethje co-main event promises to be a war.
The UFC may also announce additional fights to round out the card, keeping fans excited for what’s to come.
If Volkanovski does end up fighting at UFC 313 against a different opponent, it could further shake up the featherweight division’s title picture.
Also Read: Ilia Topuria: Who Is He? Meet Siblings, Parents, Net worth 2024 And More
