'Not gonna say no': Alexander Volkanovski inches closer to Ilia Topuria rematch after UFC 308
Alexander Volkanovski looks certain to receive the next shot at the UFC featherweight title, with champion Ilia Topuria agreeing to a rematch with the Aussie star.
In the aftermath of Topuria's stunning knockout victory over Max Holloway in the main event of UFC 308, the former title-holder entered the octagon for a face off.
Topuria and Volkanovski embraced and shook hands, with the Spaniard in agreement that a rematch between the fighters would only be fair.
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"We're gonna do it again - you deserve that," Topuria said.
"You are the man. He defended his title seven times. If someone deserves it, it's him."
Alexander Volkanovski and Ilia Topuria face off at UFC 308. Getty
Volkanovski took to social media after the event in Abu Dhabi to congratulate his rival after a dominant title defence and hinted at the pair fighting at UFC 312 in Sydney.
"I'll see you wherever. Madrid ... Sydney... see you early next year my man."
Topuria won the 145lb belt from Volkanovski earlier this year via knockout and while the Aussie hasn't fought since, he has remained adamant he was next in line.
When asked about the potential for a rematch, UFC boss Dana White admitted it would be hard to turn down Volkanovski, who has been the ultimate company man.
"Volkanovski is one of those guys - we're not gonna say no to Volkanovsk," he said.
"He's been that guy for us, any time we needed him. He was on this run that like [Israel] Adesanya was on or Alex [Pereira] is on right now, where things don't go our way and you've got to call a guy - Volkanovski has always been that guy.
"I don't think anybody in this room thinks this is ridiculous or crazy and who wouldn't want to see it again?"
Earlier on the card on Sunday (AEDT), Robert Whittaker was submitted in the first round by Khamzat Chimaev and reportedly suffered a dislocated jaw in the process.
