‘Unreal’: Australia could host Alexander Volkanovski title defence
UFC president Dana White has confirmed that dethroned featherweight king Max Holloway would be given an immediate rematch in 2020 — and it could be Down Under.
Boxing/MMA
Don't miss out on the headlines from Boxing/MMA. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Gruelling win: Gritty Volkanovski claims stunning UFC upset
- How NBA prodigy saved Alexander Volkanovski’s career
UFC president Dana White says Alex Volkanovski could be given his maiden featherweight title defence in Australia — with the champion he sensationally defeated at UFC 245 set to be given first crack.
Speaking immediately after Volkanovski earned one of the biggest upsets of the 2019 sporting calendar, White confirmed that dethroned featherweight king Max Holloway would be given an immediate rematch in 2020.
The UFC boss also hinted said blockbuster could take place Down Under, saying: “Maybe we do that rematch in Australia … it’s a big market we have down there.”
Asked by The Daily Telegraph about headlining in Australia, Volkanovski said: “That would be unreal wouldn’t it?
“I’d love that. It would mean a lot.
“I haven’t talked any business (with White) just yet, but that’s something that could definitely be (organised) along the lines.
“And that would be great.
“To have a hometown crowd and defend the belt in front of them, I think Aussie fans deserve that.
“And I think we can make something happen. What do you reckon?”
Certainly you would have to think White and his UFC number crunchers agree given that, back in February, more than 57,000 packed into Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium for the middleweight blockbuster between champ Robert Whittaker and rising prodigy Israel Adesanya.
Incredibly, that crowd broke the record for biggest UFC live gate set at the same venue back in 2015 – when American Holly Holm upset megastar Ronda Rousey via a stunning head kick KO.
Volkanovski also said he was happy to rematch Holloway, despite earning a convincing victory over the Hawaiian rated among many as the greatest UFC featherweight ever.
“He does deserve it and that will make for a big fight,” Volkanovski said. “And I will be better prepared next time.
“We know what works. And we’re going to get an ever better formula.
“So he might think he can get me figured out but I’m just too powerful, man. They go one way and I go another.
“I’ve got so many ways to go.”