Alex Volkanovski News
Josh Emmett reveals who he gives slight edge to for Alex Volkanovski vs. Ilia Topuria: "It’s hard for me to bet against ..."
Fernando Quiles Jr. - January 7, 2024
Josh Emmett doesn’t consider himself to be a modern day Nostradamus, but he does know who he’s leaning towards picking for the UFC 298 main event. Headlining that planned February 17 pay-per-view will be reigning UFC featherweight champion Alex Volkanovski. He’ll be putting his gold at stake against undefeated challenger Ilia Topuria. It’s a tough fight to call between a dominant champion, who is coming off a devastating KO loss to lightweight titleholder Islam Makhachev, and the rising Topuria. As it stands now, Volkanovski is the -155 betting favorite, while Topuria is a +130 underdog, per DraftKings Sportsbook.
Ilia Topuria is predicting a “masterpiece” against Alex Volkanovski at UFC 298: “It will be one of the easier fights of my career”
Harry Kettle - December 9, 2023
UFC contender Ilia Topuria has predicted a masterpiece of a performance ahead of his fight against Alexander Volkanovski. At UFC 298 in February, Ilia Topuria will challenge Alexander Volkanovski for the UFC featherweight championship. While some feel as if this is too quick, others expect him to put up a really good showing against the champion.
Alexander Volkanovski feels Ilia Topuria may have been "rushed" into UFC 298 title fight: "I just haven’t seen that elite stuff yet"
Fernando Quiles Jr. - December 7, 2023
UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski doesn’t exactly agree with others who say that Ilia Topuria is already on an elite level. Topuria will be in for the biggest fight of his pro MMA career when he takes on Volkanovski for the UFC Featherweight Championship at UFC 298 on February 17, 2024. Up to this point, Topuria has garnered a pro MMA record of 14-0. He’s coming off a unanimous decision victory over Josh Emmett, which earned him a “Fight of the Night” bonus.
Alexander Volkanovski reveals easy way for Aljamain Sterling to secure title shot; "It's that simple"
Josh Evanoff - December 6, 2023
UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski is willing to give Aljamain Sterling a title shot if he beats Max Holloway. ‘The Great’ is currently slated to return at UFC 298 next February against Ilia Topuria. For Alexander Volkanovski, the bout will be his first since a knockout loss to Islam Makhachev in October. It also comes at a time, when the division is welcoming a former champion in the form of Aljamain Sterling. He made the announcement late last month, ending speculation about his future.
Alexander Volkanovski provides positive update following first sparring session under concussion protocols
Harry Kettle - November 29, 2023
Alexander Volkanovski has provided an update following his first sparring session under concussion protocols. Back in October at UFC 294, Alexander Volkanovski took a short notice title showdown with Islam Makhachev. Following on from their first encounter, many felt as if Volkanovski had a real shot at dethroning Islam atop the lightweight division. Unfortunately for him, it wasn’t meant to be, with Makhachev securing a violent head kick knockout.
Ilia Topuria details the key “advantage” he will have over Alex Volkanovski at UFC 298
Susan Cox - November 23, 2023
Ilia Topuria is detailing the key ‘advantage’ he will have over Alex Volkanovski at UFC 298. UFC 298 will take place on Saturday, February 17th at a TBD venue in Los Angeles, California.
Ilia Topuria already eyeing Max Holloway after Alexander Volkanovski: "It's going to happen"
Josh Evanoff - November 23, 2023
UFC featherweight contender Ilia Topuria wants Alexander Volkanovski, then he wants Max Holloway in Spain. ‘El Matador’ and ‘The Great’ are currently slated to face off at UFC 298 in February. That bout will be Alexander Volkanovski’s first since a knockout loss to Islam Makhachev in October. Due to that knockout defeat, there were questions if the featherweight champion would be able to fight Ilia Topuria in early 2024.
Alexander Volkanovski looking forward to humbling Ilia Topuria at UFC 298: "The man to do that"
Josh Evanoff - November 10, 2023
UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski believes he’s the right man to humble Ilia Topuria. ‘The Great’ has been out of action since a short-notice rematch with Islam Makhachev last month. The lightweight champion was first expected to face Charles Oliveira, but ‘Do Bronx’ withdrew due to injury. As a result, Alexander Volkanovski stepped up on two weeks notice.
Alexander Volkanovski vs. Ilia Topruria featherweight title fight targeted for UFC 298 in February
Fernando Quiles Jr. - November 5, 2023
UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski may not be fighting in January, but he is factored into plans for a February title bout. Volkanovski had asked for a quick turnaround after suffering a head kick knockout loss in his rematch with UFC lightweight titleholder Islam Makhachev. After the defeat, an emotional Volkanovski said he needs to fight again soon because without something scheduled he loses direction.
Henry Cejudo advises Alexander Volkanovski to “humble himself” and avoid fighting for the next six months
Harry Kettle - October 25, 2023
Former UFC champion Henry Cejudo has given Alexander Volkanovski some advice following his loss at UFC 294. Last weekend, Alexander Volkanovski fell short in the main event of UFC 294. He went up against Islam Makhachev for the second time, but once again, he was defeated. This time, however, it was via knockout, leaving many to wonder what Volkanovski’s next steps will be.
Alexander Volkanovski confirms plans for short-notice turnaround against Ilia Topuria: "I don't need a break"
Josh Evanoff - October 24, 2023
UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski is still planning to fight Ilia Topuria in January. ‘The Great’ is fresh off his short-notice clash with Islam Makhachev on Saturday night. Just two weeks ahead of UFC 294, Alexander Volkanovski stepped up for a rematch with the lightweight champion. Famously, the featherweight titleholder was reportedly about to enter training camp for a January bout with Ilia Topuria.
Tyson Fury sends Alexander Volkanovski support after loss to Islam Makhachev: "Get back in there and kick ass!"
Josh Evanoff - October 24, 2023
Tyson Fury has sent Alexander Volkanovski some support after his loss at UFC 294. ‘The Great’ returned to the octagon over the weekend for a rematch with Islam Makhachev. In February, Alexander Volkanovski stepped up to face the lightweight champion, suffering a unanimous decision loss. However, stepping up on short notice, circumstances were much different heading into Saturday’s clash.
Joe Rogan heaps praise on Islam Makhachev for “perfect” knockout over Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294
Harry Kettle - October 24, 2023
UFC commentator Joe Rogan heaped praise on Islam Makhachev following his win over Alexander Volkanovski. Last weekend at UFC 294, Islam Makhachev shocked the world. His win over Alexander Volkanovski wasn’t the shocking part – but instead, it was the manner in which he did it. Makhachev landed a nasty head kick before following up with brutal ground and pound, with the referee eventually stepping in to stop the fight.
What's next for the stars of UFC 294?
Cole Shelton - October 23, 2023
The UFC returned to Abu Dhabi on Saturday for a solid UFC 294 card that somehow got better after both the main and co-main events were changed on less than two weeks’ notice. In the main event of UFC 294, Islam Makhachev was looking to defend his lightweight title for the second time as he was rematching featherweight champ Alexander Volkanovski. The co-main event saw Khamzat Chimaev and Kamaru Usman fight at middleweight.
Islam Makhachev urges Alexander Volkanovski to "take some rest" and not fight in January after knockout loss
Cole Shelton - October 23, 2023
Islam Makhachev is hopeful that Alexander Volkanovski won’t return to action in January. Volkanovski stepped up on 11 days’ notice to rematch Makhachev in the main event of UFC 294. Before taking the fight, Volkanovski was rumored to face Ilia Topuria in January to defend his featherweight title but decided to jump on the chance to rematch Makhachev.
Watch Israel Adesanya’s live reaction to Islam Makhachev knocking out Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294
Harry Kettle - October 23, 2023
Israel Adesanya has released his reaction video to Alexander Volkanovski’s loss against Islam Makhachev. Last weekend in the main event of UFC 294, Islam Makhachev knocked out Alexander Volkanovski. He did so in brutal fashion, landing a stunning head kick before finishing off with some ground and pound. It was a result that shocked many in terms of how the finish came, but regarding the winner, Makhachev was always going to be seen as the heavy favorite with this being a short notice bout.
Alexander Volkanovski reflects on decision to accept short notice rematch with Islam Makhachev
Chris Taylor - October 21, 2023
Alexander Volkanovski spoke about his decision to accept a short notice fight with Islam Makhachev following the conclusion of today’s UFC 294 event. Volkanovski (26-3 MMA) and Makhachev (25-1 MMA) squared off for a second time in today’s UFC 294 headliner, with the promotion‘s coveted lightweight world title up for grabs.
Pros react after Islam Makhachev KO's Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294
Chris Taylor - October 21, 2023
Today’s UFC 294 event was headlined by a lightweight title fight rematch between Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski. Makhachev (25-1 MMA) was returning to action for the first time since scoring a highly debated unanimous decision victory over Volkanovski this past February at UFC 284. Prior to that, the Russian standout had earned a submission win over Charles Oliveira to capture the promotion’s vacant lightweight title at UFC 280.