"I might lose that featherweight title shot" - Alexander Volkanovski explains why he'd rather wait for Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway winner

Alexander Volkanvoski seems to be focused on taking back the featherweight belt. Volkanovski recently shared his thoughts on waiting for the winner of Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway rather than facing a competitor from another division.

Volkanovski is 1-3 in his last four fights, including two failed attempts at the lightweight title against Islam Makhachev. In his last octagon outing at UFC 298 earlier this year, the 35-year-old put up his featherweight title on the line against rising contender Topuria, which he lost decisively via knockout in the second round.

Volkanovski expressed his desire for an instant rematch after losing his title, which was well-received given his impressive title reign. However, UFC went on to book Topuria vs. Holloway for the Spaniard's first title defense at UFC 308.

In a recent interview with Sky Sports New Zealand, Volkanovski stated that he would prefer to wait for a title shot over fighting again, saying:

''So I can wait or if I don’t want to wait, I can do something else. Or just wait, and the UFC has made that clear. Obviously, that’s probably what I’m going to do.''

Volkanovski defended his choice, noting that taking on another fight could cost him a featherweight title opportunity, something he is willing to wait for.

''I could have maybe done a lightweight fight, I think there’s a lot of exciting fights there, but the UFC aren’t big fans of floating. Look, you want to go to lightweight, you’re going to have to probably stay there, that’s the only thing, and then I might lose that featherweight title shot. So I might just have to wait. It’s only a couple of months, I’m sure I’ll be fine.”

Check out Alexander Volkanovski's comments below (via Championship Rounds on X):

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Ilia Topuria warns Alexander Volkanovski not to take a backup role at UFC 308

During a recent fan Q&A in Australia, Alexander Volkanovski hinted at attending UFC 308 and potentially serving as a backup fighter for the Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway fight.

That didn't sit well with Topuria, who suggested Volkanovski should take a break from fighting and issued a strong warning to the former champion, saying:

''Listen, I don’t know (if that’s a good idea), He wants to get knocked out every year, twice. Maybe someone has to give him good advice. He needs some rest. I’m telling you, he needs some rest. His head at least.” [H/t: BJ Penn]