Sixteen months ago, Alexander Volkanovski, the reigning Featherweight champion, lost his title after a shocking second-round knockout by Ilia Topuria at UFC 298, held inside Anaheim’s Honda Center. This stunning defeat came just months after another devastating stoppage, raising concerns about Volkanovski’s health and readiness to continue competing so soon after significant head trauma.
Concerns About Head Injuries Following Consecutive Knockouts
The sequence began with a brutal head-kick knockout at UFC 294 when Lightweight champion Islam Makhachev ended Volkanovski’s fight. Despite a dominant 12-fight winning streak previously, these back-to-back losses caused unease among fans and analysts over the Australian’s durability. The nature of these stoppages emphasized a pattern of mounting concussion issues.
Volkanovski Admits He Should Have Rested Before His Fight with Topuria
During a candid podcast with Demetrious Johnson, Volkanovski expressed regret about not allowing more recovery time after the knockout by Makhachev before facing Topuria. He explained how his symptoms from the earlier injury were more severe, despite being knocked out longer by Topuria.
I feel like I had more of a concussion from the Islam [knockout], and even though I was knocked out longer from Ilia, I had many more symptoms. So, I probably should have had more of a break,
Volkanovski said.
I didn’t have any head contact [training for Ilia], but when you’re easing into it, making sure you’re not getting hit, and putting yourself in positions to not get hit. Even starting camp was wrong. I should’ve had a break.
—Alexander Volkanovski
Recognition of Ilia Topuria’s Skill and Humility After Defeat
Following the loss to Topuria, Volkanovski acknowledged the skill of his Spanish opponent, describing the dynamic between them as a reversal of roles: having been a force of dominance, he now recognized himself as the defeat—the nail rather than the hammer.
Renewed Determination Leads to Title Reclamation at UFC 314
Despite the setbacks, Volkanovski’s resolve remained strong. After a period of reflection and recovery, he returned to the cage with renewed focus and took back the Featherweight championship by defeating Diego Lopes at UFC 314. However, the fighter admitted he still wonders how his career trajectory might have changed if he had taken a longer break immediately following the Makhachev knockout.
I probably should have done what I did after getting knocked out by Islam, you know, have the break,
Volkanovski reflected.
But whether I did that earlier or not, maybe it would have been different. We’ll never know.
—Alexander Volkanovski
Looking Forward to His Next Featherweight Title Defense
Now back on top, Volkanovski is preparing to face his first challenger in this second reign as Featherweight champion. His experience with injury and recovery is likely to influence how he approaches training and competition moving forward, highlighting the importance of balance between physical readiness and fighter safety.