It looks like UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria has lost interest in a potential rematch with Alexander Volkanovski, and is now hoping for a champion vs. champion bout.
Topuria (16-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC), who was keen on fighting Volkanovski a second time following his successful title defense against Max Holloway in October, is now saying he’d like a bigger challenge for his return to the octagon.
“I’m on the verge of making some decisions, and I’m not sure what’s going to happen,” Topuria said in Spanish on El Chiriguito. “I’m closer to making a fight with (Islam) Makhachev, that’s what interest me the most.
“My ideal rival needs to have something that has me fighting for something. I need to conquer something. I need something to motivate me. Do a rematch (with Volkanovski) for what? I already beat him. ‘Oh, is that I want another chance for,’ Ok, you’re better than me. That’s it.”
Topuria would ideally like to move up to 155 pounds and take on Makhachev. However, Makhachev must first defend his title in his scheduled rematch against Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 311 on Jan. 18 in Los Angeles.
“Getting a second title and fighting for something that builds your legacy. That’s something I’ve set for myself,” Topuria said.
As far as a timeline, “El Matador” is hoping to get back in the cage sometime in spring.
“April or May, April or May,” Topuria said when asked about his ideal return. “It also interests me to be active at the same time, but the weight cut is very annoying, to be honest.”
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This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC champ Ilia Topuria wants lightweight title shot vs. Islam Makhachev
