UFC CEO Dana White admits itās hard to not give Alexadner Volkanovski another opportunity to defeat Ilia Topuria.
Once Ilia Topuria lived up to his word by knocking Max Holloway out in the third round, he and Alexander Volkaovski exchanged pleasantries. It looked as though the UFC was prepping for a rematch between the two.
As it turns out, that is the plan.
Dana White Canāt Say No to Alexander Volkanovski Following UFC 308
UFC CEO Dana White was asked by media members whatās next for Ilia Topuria post-UFC 308. It appears the answer is clear when you listen to what White had to say (h/t MMAJunkie.com).
āVolkanovskiās one of those guys,ā White told MMA Junkie and other reporters at a post-fight news conference. āWeāre not going to say no to Volkanovski.ā
āHeās been that guy for us any time we needed him,ā White said. āHeās been on this run like (Israel) Adesanya and like Alex (Pereira) is on right now. When things donāt go our way and youāve got to call a guy, Volkanovski has always been that guy. He really was. For him to ask for it, I donāt think anybody in this room is going, āOh, this is ridiculousā or crazy. Who wouldnāt want to see it again?ā
Topuria shared his belief that Volkanovski deserves a title rematch. The UFC wouldnāt exactly be short on options even without Volkanovski.
Diego Lopes was in attendance for UFC 308. He served as a backup option if anything were to go awry with the headliner. If needed, the fast-rising 145-pounder could be called upon.
Volk canāt win now. Heās has too many massive losses lately.
Holloway fucked up in dropping back to 145. He looked like a weak ass muscle less POW survivor at weigh ins. Thatās NOT how to take punches.
How many hundreds of guys are on the UFC roster? Why do they always have the same few guys rematching at he top of every division?
Ehhh Iām a huge Volk fan and I donāt want him taking this fight.
He got finished twice in the last two fights. He needs to win one first and shouldnāt be fighting guys that can scramble his eggs again so soon.
I donāt see the point in this fight. Volk is older, past his prime, and coming off 2 brutal KO losses in a row. Topuria is just entering his prime
I donāt see any path to victory for Volk
almost 3
I think he can beat Topuria, he looked great last time, but he needs a win or two first.
You really think so? I just donāt see his path to victory against the much younger champion
I do but the problem is now his chin has been cracked and he canāt make any mistakes for 25 minutes. He has a path, but itās a long and arduous one.
Yeah he canāt make a single mistake. Topuria is so good when he has you backed up against the fence. He did it to Volk and did it to max after he rocked him
Topuria vs That Spanish looking spinny kick guy would be good!
Teh guy Volk fought and tkoād prior to Toppy and Islamb!
Yair would be fun, but he doesnāt deserve it.
If Brian Ortega hadnāt just lost to Lopes I would love to see Topuria crack him. Yair is now coming off a pair of losses to Volk and Brian Ortega. Other than Lopes, who is there to challenge Topuria right now?
Thisā¦
I like Volkanovski but on what planet does he deserve a rematch here?
He hasnāt even fought since he lost to Topuria anyway WTF?
Love Volk but his brain needs to rest and heal properly.
Was listening to Mma Guru and agree with what he said.
Ilie takes on Lopez as he is keen to test himself against the new gen.
Volk fights winner of (Sterling and that other grappler)
Atleast Volk should win that one and not fight a dangerous striker who could scramble his brain in his third consecutive fight.
Dumb. Volk loses this badly again. Also does not deserve it.