Just when it appeared that the featherweight chapter between two greats had been closed, Alexander Volkanovski revived it once again. After winning the 145-pound gold in an overwhelming way at UFC 314, ‘The Great’ had the option of settling into a quiet reign or eyeing a new group of contenders. Instead, he is set on cleaning the stain named ‘Ilia Topuria‘ from his MMA record.

‘Volk’ lost to ‘La Leyenda’ at UFC 298 via a knockout in round 2. No wonder he wants to face the 28-year-old once again, but no, the Aussie won’t allow it to be like a recap of their previous fight. He has proposed a novel idea—a fight in the lightweight division. It could turn out well, considering Topuria gave up his title to move to the lightweight division. While he wants to face the champion, Islam Makhachev previously revealed how he wasn’t interested in fighting another featherweight. So, perhaps a lightweight bout against Volkanovski could be the answer for Topuria.

During an appearance on The MMA Hour, Alexander Volkanovski opened up about his desire to fight ‘La Leyenda’ once again. He stated: “Perfect world would have been having that rematch to get that belt back. But you know that just wasn’t the case. You’ve got to respect what Ilia Topuria is doing. He wants to chase the like he’s done with the featherweight, wants to chase the lightweight, let him do his thing. And maybe if he do do it (rematch), maybe we do it at lightweight. 

Double champ again. I win, I defend. Again, does that put me in a position, imagine that if he was to win and then we have a rematch at lightweight. It doesn’t get much bigger than that. That’s perfect world for me. But again, a few things need to fall into place for that to happen and that’s obviously in time, so let me just do my thing until till that happens because yeah again, I still want to be reasonably active.” After two wars with Islam Makhachev at UFC 284 and UFC 294 and an iconic featherweight resurgence in Miami, a lightweight rematch with 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 this year, 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.

The Dagestani’s future is uncertain. The unwillingness to provide another “short guy” a shot at this gold, contract negotiations, and rumors of a welterweight transfer are muddying the waters. Amidst this, the Spanish-Georgian has declared that he would indeed fight at UFC 317 during International Fight Week in June, but whether against Makhachev, Charles Oliveira, or another contender remains uncertain.

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 lbs might become the title bout. After all, it isn’t just ‘The Great’ who is keeping track of him as even Topuria is keeping a watchful eye. He recently gave his honest reaction to Volkanovski winning the featherweight title.

Ilia Topuria opens up on his 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 bubbling. 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 last month. “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.