In the latest MMA news, Alexander Volkanovski will officially defend his featherweight title against Ilia Topuria on February 17th, 2024, at UFC 298.

The Australian will be hoping to bounce back from his first-round-stoppage loss to Islam Makhachev at UFC 294 in October. Volkanovski took the bout on less than two weeks notice after Charles Oliveira pulled out due to an injury.

However, the attempts at avenging the loss failed as Volkanovski recognized that the fight may have come too soon. Therefore, there were suggestions that the MMA fighter may take some time off before entering his next bout.

However, that does not appear to be case as the fight date has now been made official.

Volkanovski Vs. Topuria

"To determine who is best at 145 pounds. Ilia Topuria is set to challenge Australia’s @AlexVolkanovski for the FW belt at #UFC298. UFC_AUSNZ (@UFC_AUSNZ) November 8, 2023."

Despite the setback of the loss, it is important to note that Volkanovski has never lost a fight at featherweight. The bout will be the sixth defense of his title, as he enters the fight after having stopped Yair Rodriguez in the third round.

However, his opponent will be no pushover. Topuria remains undefeated in the UFC, with six wins that have resulted in four stoppages. Topuria’s last fight was against Josh Emmett as the victory secured the title shot.

Aspinall Vs. Jones

Elsewhere, Tom Aspinall has reacted to Jon Jones’ decision to keep the UFC heavyweight belt following his injury that prevented his fight with Stipe Miocic.

Jones was set to defend his title at UFC 295, only to suffer a pectoral injury during sparring. Thereafter, the fighter underwent surgery, as a return in 2024 is expected. As a result, Aspinall was put on the card to fight for the interim belt against Sergei Pavlovich.

But given that Jiri Prochazka and Jamahal Hill had both relinquished their belts while they were out injured, there were questions marks over why Jones did not do the same. And yet, when it came to Aspinall, the Brit had no qualms about that.

"I’m just fine with the interim. I’m not too bothered about it. It will all work itself out, I’m sure. Jon Jones is obviously one of the best to ever do it. I would love to share the octagon with him one day. I’ve got a lot of respect for him. Absolutely love his game. Massive fan of his. As far as if it’s for the interim title or the vacant title, it doesn’t really bother me too much," Aspinall stated 

Nevertheless, provided that Jones comes back to full health, Bones is certainly someone that Aspinall has his eyes on. The UFC heavyweight did call him out in the aftermath of his win over Marcin Tybura. And that is where the focus is moving forward.

"I’d love to fight Jon Jones. I’ve said that all along. It’s not disrespect to Jon Jones. I couldn’t respect him more for what he’s done in the sport. I’d like to fight Jon Jones after this for sure," Aspinall