Topuria sceptical to give Volkanovski a rematch: “Time to clean up the division”

Ilia Topuria is the new UFC featherweight champion. Photo via YouTube

The new UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria is still undefeated and ready to defend his belt as soon as possible. Topuria is a fan of his rival Alexander Volkanovski, and likes him as a person, and therefore he’s ready to give him a rematch. On the other hand he wants the division to move on.

“It’s time to clean up the division a little bit. It’s time for the new generation to have new challengers, new faces, and I think I will be looking for that. But to honest, my job is to fight. Whoever they tell me I’m going to have to face and fight next, I will be there. That’s it.”

“Max Holloway and them, no – they don’t make any sense for me right now,” Topuria said. “I need new challengers – new ones.”

Read more: UFC 300 main event official, Alex Pereira to headline milestone card

Volk wants Ilia Topuria: “Different next time”

Alexander Volkanovski has been the featherweight champion since December 2019 and successfully defended his title five times. Nowadays, the UFC almost seem to have a policy to let dominant champions get an immediate rematch, and that’s what the 35-year-old hopes for.

“I want that rematch. That’s something that needs to happen. I’ve been reigning champ for how long? I’ve been a company man. I’ve backed up on short notice and fought Max (Holloway) three times. You name it, I’ve done it. I’ve been champ for a long time, so I think I deserve that. It’s going to be different next time.”

Read more: UFC 298 results: Ilia Topuria KNOCKS OUT Volkanovski

Subscribe to Frontkick.online on YouTube for the best MMA and Muay Thai videos in Scandinavia, make sure to follow us on Instagram for the latest news and updates and check out our sister site Maximum Sports YouTube channel for premium Swedish martial arts content!