Alexander Volkanovski is prepared to travel to Spain for a rematch with Ilia Topuria. Volkanovski, who previously held the featherweight title, suffered a second-round knockout loss to Topuria in the main event of UFC 298 at Honda Center in Anaheim, California.
UFC CEO Dana White has confirmed that Topuria’s first title defense will take place in Spain later this year. Volkanovski believes this timing works in his favor for a potential rematch.
“I’m going to take some time to rest, but I definitely want that rematch,” Volkanovski stated on his YouTube channel. “From what I’m hearing, Spain is where it’s going to happen. Dana wants it, and obviously, Ilia wants it. However, it probably won’t be until later in the year.”
Volkanovski plans to utilize this break to spend time with his family, recharge, and take care of himself before returning to the octagon. He is determined to rectify his previous loss and regain the featherweight belt.
“I’m going to make it right in the next fight,” Volkanovski asserted. “I’ll do everything correctly, and I will reclaim that belt. Remember my words.”
Reflecting on his fight with Topuria, Volkanovski believes he was gaining momentum in the second round before getting backed against the cage and caught with a significant strike.
“I believe I was ahead on the judges’ scorecards after the first round, and I was really starting to find my rhythm in the second,” Volkanovski explained. “I was prepared to take it up a notch. I had him missing, landing some shots, and I was ready to build on that. Unfortunately, he did a great job of cornering me against the cage, which was not where I wanted to be against someone like him.”
Volkanovski acknowledges that he made a tactical error by seeking a counter instead of pursuing other options. This ultimately led to Topuria landing the decisive blow.
“He found an opportunity and capitalized on it with a fantastic shot,” Volkanovski admitted. “In this sport, that’s all it takes.”
According to the Source mmajunkie.usatoday.com