“My story is NOT over!” Alexander Volkanovski leaves door for lightweight dreams open

UFC featherweight champion, Alexander Volkanovski, has made it clear that he has still not given up the lightweight division ahead of UFC 298.

“My story is NOT over!” Alexander Volkanovski leaves door for lightweight dreams open

What is next for Alexander Volkanovski? (Image via Imago)

Alexander Volkanovski is the reigning UFC featherweight champion. He will put the title on the line at UFC 298 as he fights the undefeated title contender, Ilia Topuria. However, Alexander Volkanovski has plans bigger than simply defending his title. He still dreams of conquering the lightweight division.

Alexander Volkanovski and Ilia Topuria were present at the press conference ahead of their upcoming fight at UFC 298. A reporter asked Alexander Volkanovski if he was planning to move up to the lightweight division after this fight. To this, Volkanovski replied and said: 

Yeah. I wanna be active. I wanna keep my featheweight. My story at lightweight is NOT over. I want that double champ status. Like I said, this old dog's still got plenty of time in him and that's what I want as well.
Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298 press conference
YouTube video

Alexander Volkanovski made two attempts at the lightweight division in 2023 against the reigning champion, Islam Makhachev. Volkanovski moved up a weight class to challenge Makhachev at UFC 284. However, he lost by unanimous decision.

FS Video

The two clashed again in October. However, this time Makhachev retained his lightweight title by knocking out Volkanovski in the first round at UFC 294. Makhachev delivered a brutal head kick although it must be considered that Volkanovski was a last-minute replacement in that fight. The Australian might have performed much better with a full camp like he did in their first clash. Many believed he edged out Makhachev in that fight.

UFC 298 will feature Alexander Volkanovski defending his featherweight title against Ilia Topuria. Topuria has already expressed confidence in his ability to claim the UFC belt. Volkanovski is still the betting favorite. However, Topuria is a fast-rising star with 12 stoppages in 14 undefeated fights.

Alexander Volkanovski wants to show he is levels ahead of Ilia Topuria

Alexander Volkanovski is confident and ready for his fight at UFC 298. He has aimed to show Topuria that he is superior and emphasized being ‘levels ahead’ of him in their upcoming bout.

Alexander Volkanovski Ilia Topuria
Alexander Volkanovski and Ilia Topuria (Image via Instagram)

The matchup between Volkanovski and Topuria has generated significant anticipation. Ilia Topuria did an excellent job of marketing the fight. His bold statements and predictions at the interviews and press conferences caught the attention of the people on the internet. Meanwhile, at the press conference, he told Volkanovski that he respected him as a person and that he was simply following his dreams.

On the other hand, Alexander Volkanovski dressed up as an old man and his promo video ahead of the fight went viral on social media. UFC 298 has an exciting lineup, and it will be interesting to see if Volknovski retains his featherweight title or if we get a new champion in the division.

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