UFC news 2023: Alexander Volkanovski’s audacious two-fight comeback plan

Just a week after having elbow surgery, UFC champ Alex Volkanovski is already plotting his comeback, with a very busy schedule planned.

Alex Volkanovski has outlined an ambitious two-fight comeback plan, culminating in a lightweight title rematch with Islam Makhachev which could possibly be held in Sydney early next year.

Volkanovski had minor surgery on his elbow last week, dashing any hopes of fighting at UFC 293 in Sydney in September, and of taking on Makhachev in October.

Lightweight champion Makhachev – who claimed a disputed decision victory over Volkanovski in Perth in February – will now fight Charles Oliveira at UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi.

Volkanovski nearly beat Makhachev in February. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

Volkanovski will instead turn his attention to a featherweight title defence against rising Spanish star Ilia Topuria in December.

But after that, he wants the next crack at the lightweight belt early next year.

“One hundred per cent. That sounds like a perfect schedule – December, then February,” Volkanovski said on Wednesday, adding: “Everyone wants to see the rematch (with Makhachev).

“Everyone wants to see rounds five to 10. I want it, I can’t wait for it.

“I would have even rushed into camp to make that happen (in October), but it’s all good. I’ll heal up, train, get through Ilia Topuria and then maybe early next year we can run that one back and I’ll get a good camp in.”

Excluding the Covid years, the UFC has made regular trips to Australia in February, and UFC Vice President Dave Shaw said there are plans to return again in early 2024.

Ilia Topuria (L) pieced up Josh Emmett a month ago. Picture: Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC

“I wouldn’t be surprised if we’re back here Q1 next year, and maybe by that point Volk’s ready,” Shaw told this masthead. “That date in February has always been really great for us. It fits in well with summer time, and a lot of the other codes and it’s a great time of year to be in Australia.”

First though, Volkanovski must dispatch Topuria, who is on an impressive six-fight win streak in the UFC. The pair have already started the pre-fight trash talk after a heated face-off following Volkanovski’s victory over Yair Rodriguez earlier this month.

“He’s making the noise. Everyone wants to see it,” Volkanovski said of Topuria. “We had our little face off, he likes to talk and he’s a popular dude.

“He makes sense. He’s undefeated, so let me take him out.”

Volkanovski scored a dominant win over Yair Rodriguez at UFC 290. Picture: Getty Images

Topuria stormed into the top five of the featherweight rankings with a one-sided demolition of Josh Emmett in June. The win propelled the 26-year-old from prospect to potential title challenger, but Volkanovski believes it’s still too early.

“He had a good fight against Josh Emmett – he looked pretty good,” he said. “I see fights differently from a lot of people. People see that fight and say it’s going to be incredible. It puts a smirk on my face.

“Everyone has a puncher’s chance, and he’s a tough, durable fella, and probably still dangerous, but I don’t think he’s dangerous for me. I see that playing well into my style.

“A lot of people are hyped for it, I know what I’ll do to him.”

Originally published as UFC news 2023: Alexander Volkanovski’s audacious two-fight comeback plan