Want more wrestling news, rumors, and results? Be sure to visit PWInsider.com and PWInsiderXtra.com.
UFC Featherweight Champion Alexander Volkanovski suffered a first round knockout loss to UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev this past weekend at UFC 294.
Despite suffering a brutal knockout loss, a defeated Volkanovski still wants to defend his gold against Ilia Topuria this January.
“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,” Volkanovski said on his YouTube Channel (transcript via Danny Segura of MMA Junkie). “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.”
Volkanovski last defended the featherweight gold back at UFC 290 in July of this year, defeating Yair Rodriguez by third round TKO.
Even though he was defeated by Makhachev, Volkanovski doesn’t regret taking the late notice fight against the lightweight champion.
“I still stand by that decision because I believe in myself all the time, and I think people should challenge themselves,” Volkanovski said. “I’ve been a big advocate for people to challenge themselves and put themselves in this position. High risk, high reward, I’m a big believer in that.
“I was chasing greatness. I think I’m a little disappointed that I wasn’t the professional and disciplined person that I was the last few months that I usually am. So the timing of this fight coming while I wasn’t in the gym as much as I’d like to be. I wasn’t getting the rounds I usually am, and that’s what you’ve seen.”
