In the electrifying world of mixed martial arts, where champions rise and fall, Alexander Volkanovski stands as a formidable beacon of resilience and ambition. After a challenging year tarnished by a hand injury during his UFC 290 title defense against Yair Rodriguez, followed by a packed UFC schedule, Volkanovski is gearing up for a monumental 2024. His plans? Nothing short of spectacular: a title defense against Ilia Topuria, followed by a highly anticipated rematch with Islam Makhachev.
During a recent media scrum at UFC 293, Volkanovski revealed his unwavering determination: “Obviously, you have got the Ilia fight. That’s always going to be there. You have got that rematch that I want. I want to be active.” His eagerness to get back in the octagon is palpable. However, the timing for 2023 didn’t align with his vision, but Volkanovski is undeterred. “I wanted this year, but I think the schedule this year is not going to be able to fit me in,” he admitted, with a hint of frustration. “But early next year, we will get it in, and then hopefully another one not too long after that.”
One of the most significant moments in Volkanovski’s career this year was his clash with Makhachev at UFC 284 in February. Despite a valiant effort, he lost in a closely contested decision. Volkanovski yearned for an immediate rematch but narrowly missed out as Makhachev is set to face Charles Oliveira at UFC 294 in October. However, this twist of fate works perfectly for Volkanovski’s active plans.
“I don’t want to be waiting around,” he declared. “It’s not like I am looking past my opponent, but I have got full confidence in me doing my work in that featherweight division with Ilia.” Volkanovski’s drive to stay active is evident, and he believes the upcoming schedule aligns with his aspirations. “I am being told Islam wants to be very active, so as long as the schedule still fits the same for me, I don’t care too much.”
As if that weren’t exciting enough, the grand spectacle of UFC 300 looms large on the horizon, set to take place in April 2024. Much like UFC 100 and UFC 200, this milestone event promises to be an unforgettable affair for MMA enthusiasts. Volkanovski envisions a rematch with Makhachev on this historic card, confident that the outcome will be in his favor this time.
“I think so. I think that makes a lot of sense,” Volkanovski responded when asked about UFC 300. “For sure. I think that would be great, especially with me getting my hand raised in that one for UFC 300, that would be perfect. A lot of people want to see it again. It was very competitive, and I guarantee you I get it done next time.”
However, before Volkanovski can look ahead to UFC 300, he must first defend his featherweight title. Ilia Topuria, fresh from a sensational victory over former interim title challenger Josh Emmett in June, emerges as the next challenger. Volkanovski is brimming with enthusiasm about this matchup, primarily due to Topuria’s undefeated record and his magnetic personality.
“He is undefeated; he has got a big following over there in Spain. He’s on a tear, he beat a guy that was up there, and he is pretty much clearly the next guy, so that excites me itself,” Volkanovski explained. “With this one, I don’t need to try and look for anything to motivate me. He is going to try and talk his s*** and I love it, and the best part about it is we are in a sport where you can make someone pay for it. So I can’t wait.”
As Alexander Volkanovski’s remarkable journey continues, one thing is clear: 2024 is destined to be a year of redemption, ambition, and thrilling battles inside the UFC octagon. Stay tuned, fight fans, for this is a tale that promises to captivate the world of mixed martial arts like never before.
