Alexander Volkanovski Reveals Return Timeline to Fight Undefeated Featherweight Star After UFC 294 Loss Against Islam Makhachev

Alexander Volkanovski is arguably the greatest UFC featherweight of all time. He has the longest active winning streak in the division with nine consecutive victories and has defeated Max Holloway, who would be considered the greatest featherweight of all time if not for ‘Volk’, three times.

Despite his humiliating head-kick KO loss to Islam Makhachev at UFC 294, he is still the UFC’s featherweight champion. And he reportedly wants to fight again soon in another exciting matchup against the #5 featherweight contender, who has a lot of hype behind him.

Alexander Volkanovski reveals he wants to fight this featherweight next

Undefeated Georgian featherweight prospect Ilia Topuria has been slated to be Alexander ‘The Great’ Volkanovski’s next title defense since before the Makhachev fight. MMA journalist Ariel Helwani revealed that Volkanovski has spoken about a quick turnaround to fight Topuria in January, just three months after his devastating loss.

“Volk says he wants to return in January against Topuria. “Please keep me busy,” Helwani tweeted.

Islam Makhachev, in his post-fight press conference, advised ‘Volk’ to take a break to recover from the knockout. So hard was the kick that Makhachev was limping after the fight. Volkanovski took the fight on short notice after #1 contender Charles Oliveira was forced to pull out after an injury eleven days from the October 21 bout. Post-UFC 294, that fight might be on the table again.

Dana White on who Makhachev will fight next

In the post-fight press conference, UFC CEO Dana White was asked who made sense for Islam Makhachev’s next title defense. White remarked that Makhachev’s original UFC 294 opponent, Oliveira, should get the shot next.

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“Listen, you gotta give it to Oliveira. Oliveira’s ready to go. Unfortunately, he got cut. I think you give it to Oliveira, but again, these are all questions I can’t really answer right now. We get home, we figure stuff out, and see what’s next for everybody,” White told reporters.

Makhachev had defeated Oliveira for the lightweight title by a second-round submission in their first encounter at UFC 280. Oliveira was respectful and congratulated Makhachev for his performance. He then apologized to his supporters and team for being unable to bring the belt to Brazil. He stated that he had a difficult weight cut and that he felt exhausted during the bout. The Brazilian has promised to come back stronger and regain the title. And it seems like he would get another chance sooner rather than later.

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