UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski remains steadfast in his plans to fight Ilia Topuria in January, as he continues to prioritize a quick return to the octagon.
Volkanovski, who suffered a knockout loss in a rematch against Islam Makhachev at UFC 294, had originally been rumored to defend his title against Topuria in January. Despite the defeat, Volkanovski remains focused on participating in the first UFC pay-per-view event of 2024.
During a recent interview on his YouTube channel, Volkanovski expressed his desire to stay active and emphasized his commitment to fighting. He stated that he feels at his best both inside and outside the cage when he has a clear direction, which for him means having a scheduled fight. He also mentioned his excitement for the potential bout with Topuria and assured fans that they would witness an improved version of himself in January.
Back in July, Volkanovski successfully defended his featherweight title against Yair Rodriguez at UFC 290. Following the fight, he underwent arm surgery and accepted the rematch with Makhachev on short notice. Despite the outcome, Volkanovski stands by his decision, believing in the importance of challenging oneself and embracing high-risk, high-reward opportunities.
For more information about UFC 294, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 294.
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