Despite Loss at UFC 294, Volkanovski Still Plans on Fighting Topuria in January

After his disappointing outing at UFC 294, Alexander Volkanovski is keen to get back into the cage as quickly as possible.

“The Great” recently stepped up on 10 days’ notice to make his second bid for lightweight gold against Islam Makhachev on Saturday in Abu Dhabi. Makhachev delivered a highlight-reel head kick knockout in the opening frame to defend his throne and simultaneously hand Volkanovski (26-3) his first stoppage loss in the UFC.

Prior to the booking of his short notice clash against Makhachev, “The Great” had been confirmed to defend his featherweight title against Ilia Topuria at UFC 297 in January. Many, including former UFC double champ Henry Cejudo, have advised Volkanovski against keeping that date. However, Volkanovski plans on fighting the undefeated Georgian contender two months removed from his first UFC KO loss. The 35-year-old also confirmed that he hasn’t suffered any concussions, which Cejudo thought he did. Volkanovski said on his YouTube channel:

“I talked to the UFC and I said keep me busy, and I say that because, again, I’m in my prime, I need to fight. A lot of people are like, ‘He needs a break and this.’ I don’t need a break. I want to get back in camp. I obviously talked to doctors to make sure there’s no concussion, the stitches and what not, but like I said, I’m the best version of myself inside and outside the cage when I have a clear direction. And clear direction is having a fight. I think January still looks great to me. Ilia Topuria is obviously a very exciting fight, and I can shift all of my attention to that. You’re going to see a better version of myself in January, I promise you that. I cannot wait for it. Again, I’m all good, and thank you all for the support.”

UFC 297 takes place Jan. 20, 2024, at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. Assuming the Volkanovski-Topuria title fight remains on the bill, it is set to headline a main card featuring a clash between top featherweight contenders Arnold Allen and Movsar Evloev that may well determine the next challenger for the winner.