For the first time in his 12-year mixed martial arts career, Alexander Volkanovski has back-to-back losses.
Volkanovski was knocked out in the second round of the UFC 98 main event on Saturday by undefeated Ilia Topuria. This was his second knockout in four months.
When the UFC 294 main event between lightweight champion Islam Makhachev and former titleholder Charles Oliveira fell apart last October, Volkanovski stepped in on 11-days notice to rematch the 155-pound champ. The first fight was a split-decision, but the rematch resulted in a knockout in the first round.
Volkanovski successfully defended the title of 145 pounds five times. He had the belt since December 2018. He thinks that his reign as the top of the division warrants an immediate rematch against “El Matador.”
“Obviously, I’ve been a champ a long time and I want that rematch,” Volkanovski said during the UFC 298 Post-Fight Press Conference.
“That is something that must happen.” How long have I been the champion? I’ve always been more of a “company man”. I have backed out at short notice. Fought Max [Holloway] Three times. You name it, I’ve done it,’ Volkanovski continued. “I believe I deserve it and…
