Alexander Volkanovski has expressed doubt that Ilia Topuria left the UFC featherweight division to evade a rematch with him. The Ilia Topuria UFC featherweight rematch debate intensified after Topuria’s sudden departure from the 145-pound category earlier this year.
Topuria’s stint as featherweight champion was brief but impactful. He won the title by defeating Volkanovski at UFC 298, followed by a knockout victory over Max Holloway at UFC 308. Despite this strong momentum, Topuria vacated the featherweight belt to pursue a second title in the lightweight division.
This decision sparked criticism from fellow fighters, most notably from Paddy Pimblett, who accused Topuria of ‘running’ from a rematch with Volkanovski. Pimblett argued that Volkanovski was on track to win before being stopped and said Volkanovski’s quick turnaround after his knockout loss to Islam Makhachev at UFC 294 affected his performance.
Volkanovski Refutes Claims That Topuria Fled Featherweight Rematch
During an appearance on The Overdogs Podcast, Volkanovski addressed Pimblett’s remarks directly. He noted that Topuria had been discussing a move to lightweight for some time and dismissed the idea that Topuria left the featherweight division to avoid him.
“He’s been talking about going up and fighting for the lightweight [title] for a while,”
Volkanovski said regarding Topuria’s intentions.
“I don’t think that that’s the case,”
he added in response to Pimblett’s accusations.
Volkanovski suggested that Topuria appears focused on achieving championship status rather than chasing a high volume of fights. He shared that Topuria has mentioned planning only a limited number of fights in his career, aiming to accomplish his goals and then step away.
The champion also speculated that Topuria may have financial security outside the cage, reducing his motivation to fight frequently. Volkanovski concluded emphatically,
“So, I don’t think he’s running or anything like that. I’m not gonna say that at all.”
Rematch With Topuria Unlikely to Materialize Soon, Says Volkanovski
After Topuria defended the featherweight title against Holloway at UFC 308, Volkanovski had expected him to be the next challenger for his featherweight belt. However, the landscape shifted when Topuria vacated the title, prompting Volkanovski to accept a bout against top contender Diego Lopes at UFC 314 in April.
Reflecting on the possibility of a rematch, Volkanovski admitted it was a fight he desired but acknowledged the timing is not favorable.
“Obviously, I did want that,” Volkanovski said regarding a revenge fight with Topuria.
“It’s a fight that I will want, if it’s there.”
Nevertheless, he expressed skepticism about the rematch happening in the near future,
“But I can’t see that happening anytime soon because I know he’s got his eyes on the lightweight division…”
Volkanovski reclaimed the featherweight title with a unanimous decision win at UFC 314, reviving questions about what a future rubber match with Topuria could hold. Meanwhile, Topuria is scheduled to challenge for the vacant lightweight championship against Charles Oliveira in the main event of UFC 317 on June 28.