Is Volkanovski’s Next Fight Against Ilia Topuria Too Soon: A Risk After Makhachev Loss?

Despite suffering a first-round-stoppage loss to Islam Makhachev, Alexander Volkanovski continues to remain active in the sport, as we explore today’s MMA news.
The Australian stepped up to lightweight face Makhachev at UFC 294 on less than two weeks notice after Charles Oliveira withdrew due to some cuts near his eye, which were sustained in sparring.
And since they required stitches, the turnaround time was not enough for Oliveira to go through with the fight which is why Volkanovski stepped in.
The loss, however, proved pivotal with the featherweight champion admitting that he had rushed into the fight in hindsight. However, the decision was based on the desire to remain active in the UFC.
Volkanovski On His Loss
“I don’t want to sit there and obviously make excuses. Obviously, I’m a big believer in preparation and stuff like that. But I back myself, so that’s the decision I made. I could’ve made better decisions, but he’s not somebody you should be taking a short-notice with. But I needed it. A lot of people will say it’s for the money and all that, but it was much more than that. It was hard. It’s really is hard for athletes. Sorry… I never thought I’d struggle with it, but for some reason when I wasn’t fighting or in camp… sorry [tears up again]… I was just doing my head in. I needed a fight,” Volkanovski said
And yet, following his surgery on his left arm after a win over Yair Rodriguez coupled with the arrival of a new baby, showed that Volkanovski had been through a lot lately.
Nevertheless, Volkanovski’s next fight has already been confirmed. He is set to face the unbeaten Ilia Topuria at UFC 298 on February 17th, 2024.
This has raised question marks over whether the fight has come too soon. Volkanovski has not been defeated at featherweight as he seeks to make a sixth defense of his title.
A win would take him a step closer to Jose Aldo’s record of seven title defense and put him down as one of the best of all time in the division.
But any worries about him taking the fight too soon have been dismissed, as the Australian promised to put on a spectacular performance.
Volkanovski’s Redemption
“He’s a powerful dude, he’s good everywhere. He’s not one-dimensional, he’s obviously very well-rounded. I just believe my skills and my understanding of the game are just going to be a little bit too much for him. He’s a young, hungry dude, undefeated, very, very confident. But, I think he needs a little bit of humbling, so I’m glad to be the man to do that.
“I’ve got the right team around me and we just thought that January was too soon [to return]. I was lucky enough to have the UFC and the guys there make that happen and move things around for me, which I’m grateful for, and I think the timing will be perfect,” Volkanovski stated
Nevertheless, the social media response indicated that perhaps Volkanovski took the fight too early.
Damn, might be too soon for volk
— Insane World Events (@insaneworldeven) November 6, 2023
man i wish volk took some time off
— Foureyedhuman (@Foureyedhuman2) November 6, 2023
this could be the end for volk dawg
— Negan’s Burner Account (@YaWifeInMeDms) November 6, 2023
https://twitter.com/TheDoctorShun/status/1721620081103233093
What is wrong with him
— Ricardo (@cartagena_11) November 6, 2023
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