Alexander Volkanovski: What’s Next for the Former Champion?

Alexander Volkanovski defended his featherweight title for the sixth time at UFC 298 in Anaheim, California. On the cusp of clearing out the division, he eagerly welcomed rising contender, Ilia Topuria. An undefeated opponent boasting a flawless record of 15-0, with notable victories over top ten contenders Bryce Mitchell and Josh Emmett. It’s important to take note that preceding this event, Volkanovski stepped up a weight class four months ago, to challenge the UFC lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev. This marked their second bout inside the UFC octagon. Islam remained victorious in both. Winning the second fight decisively, after a brutal head kick TKO that led to a ground and pound finish.

Accepting a fight against Ilia Topuria, a well-versed martial artist riding off lots of momentum is a dangerous decision to make. There’s even more risk involved after suffering a knockout only four months prior to UFC 298. Unfortunately, the bout against Topuria did not favor him either. Despite five successful title defenses in the featherweight division, he ultimately tasted defeat. Topuria managed to back him against the octagon fence. He then landed a right hand in an exchange that immediately folded Volkanovski, leaving him unconscious. After a series of unfortunate events inside the UFC octagon, what’s next for the greatest featherweight of all-time?

What’s Next for the Former Featherweight Champion?

Following his loss to Illia Topuria at UFC 298 in Anaheim, Alexander Volkanovski addressed the media at the post-fight press conference with determination. He expressed his intentions to do whatever it takes to secure a rematch against the newly crowned champion. Volk even mentioned talks of the rematch potentially taking place in Spain. Perhaps a strategic move to try and entice Topuria to welcome the challenge. However, Topuria seemed adamant that it’s time for the former champion to move on. A harsh assessment to make, considering his five title defenses, two of which were against Max Holloway, a future first-ballot hall of fame inductee.

Even if the rematch doesn’t come to fruition as he hopes, it’s indefinite that Volk’s next fight will either be a title bout or title eliminator. Apart from the champion Topuria, Josh Emmett currently stands out as the most logical matchup in the division. The two fighters have yet to meet inside the octagon. After Josh Emmett’s vicious knockout over Bryce Mitchell at the end of 2023, Emmett emerges as a clear contender for the featherweight title. It’s challenging to predict who the former champion will face off against next. However, it’s safe to say that we will see Alexander Volkanovski back in the octagon in 2024.

Stay updated for more breaking UFC content, including fight announcements, new signings, interviews, and breakdowns/reactions to all scheduled events.  

To view more sports and esports related content, please considering following The Game Haus’ social media pages via the hyperlinks provided: (Twitter) (Instagram) (FaceBook) 

“From Our Haus to Yours”