Just when it appeared that the featherweight chapter had been closed, Alexander Volkanovski revived the possibility of a spectacular sequel—but this time at lightweight. ‘The Great’ has the option of settling into a quiet reign or eyeing a new group of contenders after winning the 145-pound gold in an overwhelming way at UFC 314. Instead, he’s openly considering a rematch with Ilia Topuria—but not on familiar territory. During an appearance on The MMA Hour, Volkanovski suggested that both guys meet again, but this time, 10 pounds heavier. The twist? It wouldn’t just be about vengeance—it would be about legacy.
Topuria, the undefeated former champion who defeated Volkanovski at UFC 298, has since stepped up to lightweight and stated his intention to win gold there as well. However, Volkanovski isn’t afraid to pursue him. He applauded Topuria’s intentions and hinted at the ideal scenario: defending his own title once more before challenging ‘La Leyenda’ again—this time at 155 pounds. “You’ve got to respect what Ilia Topuria is doing… Maybe when I defend again, and if he was to win… Then we have a rematch at lightweight,” Volkanovski stated. “Oh man, it doesn’t get much bigger than that.” After two wars with Islam Makhachev and a brief featherweight resurgence, a lightweight rematch with Ilia Topuria could be the career-defining challenge ‘The Great’ is looking for.
Topuria, for his part, has made it clear that he would not take any detours. After relinquishing his featherweight title earlier in 2025, he has stated that his next fight must be for the lightweight crown. The UFC reportedly promised him a title opportunity after he moved up, but the ambiguity surrounding Islam Makhachev has caused a painful delay. Makhachev’s future is uncertain, with injury setbacks, contract negotiations, and rumors of a welterweight transfer muddying the waters. As a result, the Spanish-Georgian is likely to headline UFC 317 during International Fight Week in June, but whether Makhachev, Charles Oliveira, or another contender faces him remains to be seen. One thing is certain: Ilia Topuria will not take anything less than a shot at the title.
Islam Makhachev’s own journey ahead has simply fueled the fire. After returning from injuries to defeat Renato Moicano in January, the lightweight champion has yet to confirm his next fight. Despite accepting a bout in early 2025, no contract has been completed. With Arman Tsarukyan‘s preparation for a rematch uncertain and Belal Muhammad vs. Jack Della Maddalena potentially affecting Makhachev’s divisional decision, fans wonder if the champion will even continue at lightweight. If the Dagestani leaves the division, the anticipated rematch between Topuria and Volkanovski at 155 might become the title bout. After all, it isn’t just ‘The Great’ who is keeping track of ‘La Leyenda,’ as even Ilia Topuria is keeping a watchful eye, as he recently gave his honest reaction to Volkanovski winning the featherweight title.
Ilia Topuria opens up on former rival becoming the featherweight champ
After UFC 314, there is just calm respect between Ilia Topuria and Alexander Volkanovski, despite all of the tension that had previously been. Topuria watched ‘The Great’ rise again, defying age, damage, and doubt to recover the featherweight championship, with pride rather than rivalry. He was not bitter. He wasn’t yearning to reclaim what was once his. Instead, ‘La Leyenda’ watched with the confidence of a man who has already moved on. “He’s so great,” Topuria said. “I was so happy for him this Saturday because he really deserves to get that title back.”
That is not to suggest that their stories have separated. If anything, the two are as connected as ever, albeit from opposite ends of the same ambition. Volkanovski wants Topuria back, but on a different battleground. And Topuria? He isn’t ruling it out. When asked if witnessing someone else lift his featherweight belt affected him, the Spanish-Georgian, who was now completely focused on Islam Makhachev and the lightweight title, responded without ego, “Not at all. I’m good.” He further added, “I’m happy for him.” There was no Conor McGregor-style territorial claim and no sense of unfinished business. Ilia Topuria had defeated the previous king, protected his crown, and left without burning the throne behind him.
However, the threads are tightening again. Volkanovski is on a mission to leave a legacy, and Topuria is standing in his way, whether he knows it or not. If Makhachev’s next move is welterweight, the UFC may turn inward to a story that is already half-written. Topuria vs. Volkanovski II at lightweight, with the vacant belt on the line, would be more than just a rematch. It would be THE fight to watch. And from the sound of it, both fighters would welcome that fate—one seeking vengeance, the other pursuing grandeur, both unconcerned about the past but fully aware of what it had built. What do you think? Would you want to see the fight? Let us know in the comments.
The post New Twist in Ilia Topuria Story as Alexander Volkanovski Makes Lightweight Intentions Clear Amid Islam Makhachev Uncertainty appeared first on EssentiallySports.