Volkanovski's Thoughts on a Rematch with Ilia Topuria

In a recent episode of The Ariel Helwani Show, Alexander Volkanovski discussed the possibility of a rematch with Ilia Topuria. Around the 1:45 mark, he expressed surprise at Topuria's decision to vacate the UFC featherweight title to move up to the lightweight division. Volkanovski noted that this move opened up the opportunity for him to fight for the vacant title, though he remains open to facing Topuria again in the future if the circumstances align.

Contemplating Retirement Before UFC 314

At approximately the 15:00 timestamp, Volkanovski opened up about his thoughts on retirement ahead of his title fight against Diego Lopes at UFC 314. He admitted that the idea of stepping away from the sport crossed his mind, especially given the physical and mental toll of his career. However, reclaiming the featherweight belt remains a significant motivator for him to continue fighting at this stage.

Potential Matchup with Patricio Pitbull

Shifting topics around the 27:00 mark, Volkanovski addressed the possibility of fighting Patricio Pitbull, a prominent name in Bellator. He acknowledged Pitbull's skills and reputation, expressing interest in such a matchup if it were to materialize. This discussion highlighted Volkanovski's willingness to take on diverse challenges outside the UFC roster.

Insights on Israel Adesanya's Next Steps

At the 28:00 point in the conversation, Volkanovski shared his thoughts on what might be next for Israel Adesanya, commonly known as Izzy. He offered perspectives on potential opponents and career directions for Adesanya, reflecting on their shared history as fighters from the Oceania region. This segment provided a glimpse into Volkanovski's views on the evolving landscape of MMA and the trajectories of fellow fighters.