Topuria Rejects Volkanovski Rematch At Lightweight

Ilia Topuria has ruled out a second fight with Alexander Volkanovski, this time at lightweight.

The former UFC featherweight champion declined Volkanovski's callout during an interview with MMA journalist Alvaro Colmenero, per BJPenn.com. Volkanovski floated the 155-pound rematch after beating Movsar Evloev at UFC 333, part of his wider push to challenge Justin Gaethje for the lightweight strap. The Australian holds a chip on his shoulder from the February 2024 knockout loss to Topuria at UFC 298, his only defeat in the featherweight division.

Topuria Cites Respect In Turning Down Second Bout

Topuria explained his refusal centers on admiration rather than fear of the result. "Honestly, I respect him so much, and I've grown so fond of him that I couldn't hit him," he told Colmenero. The Georgian-Spanish fighter acknowledged a rematch would likely be competitive despite his first-round finish at UFC 298, noting either man could win on a different night.

He went further in praising Volkanovski's legacy, calling him the division's all-time best based on title defenses and longevity. Topuria pointed out his own featherweight reign lasted only months before he vacated and moved to lightweight, where Gaethje stopped him at UFC Freedom 250 earlier this year. "Yes, I beat him. I beat Max Holloway. I did things nobody else had done," Topuria said, referencing knockouts of both former champions.

Topuria has since named Paddy Pimblett as his preferred next opponent for 2027. Volkanovski awaits Gaethje's decision on retirement before booking his lightweight debut.

Reported via:

• BJPenn — Ilia Topuria answers Alexander Volkanovski’s rematch callout with surprising response