In the world of mixed martial arts, the UFC 298 event marked a significant turning point for featherweight fighter Alexander Volkanovski. His undefeated streak was abruptly halted by Ilia Topuria, a confident Spaniard who lived up to his promise by delivering a second-round knockout. This loss was a shock to fans and the MMA community, as Volkanovski, known as ‘The Great,’ had enjoyed an impressive title reign up to that point.
Following this upset, Volkanovski expressed a strong desire for an immediate rematch. His request garnered widespread support, considering his formidable record as a champion. However, Joe Rogan, a seasoned UFC commentator, revealed that Topuria declined the opportunity to face Volkanovski again at the upcoming UFC 305 event in Perth, Australia. While official confirmation from UFC authorities was pending, Volkanovski addressed Rogan’s claims during an appearance on an Australian sports show, Main Event. He clarified his intentions to fight later in the year and speculated on how the rumors about his participation in the Perth card might have originated.
Meanwhile, Ilia Topuria took to social media to refute Rogan’s assertion that he had turned down the rematch with Volkanovski. Topuria’s message was clear: the UFC had not offered him the fight. He boldly stated his ambition to be the first to knock out Holloway and challenged Volkanovski to a fight, emphasizing simplicity and readiness to defend his title.
The exchange between Volkanovski and Topuria has sparked discussions among fans and analysts alike. While the former champion is eyeing a return to the octagon later in the year, Topuria’s denial of Rogan’s claim adds an intriguing layer to the narrative of the featherweight division. The anticipation for a potential rematch continues to build, with both fighters seemingly eager to prove their dominance in the UFC featherweight class.
