Volkanovski's path to regaining title takes a hit

Former UFC featherweight champion Alex Volkanovski’s chance of reclaiming his title will have to wait, after suggestions new champ Ilia Topuria rejected a rematch in Perth at UFC 305.

Topuria stopped Volkanovski in the second round to claim the featherweight title in February, ending the Australian champion’s four-year reign with a devastating series of strikes.

Topuria (15-0), who lives and trains in Spain, apparently knocked back a rematch offer from the UFC, which would have given Volkanovski the chance to regain his title on home soil.

“I don’t know who he wants to fight next,” Joe Rogan said on his podcast in an episode featuring former UFC featherweight champ Max Holloway, who is said to be favoured to face Topuria.

“But I guess he feels like he’s the champ, he can call the shots.

“I know he turned down the Perth one — (UFC) 305, the Volkanovski rematch.”

Topuria is said to be playing hardball on who he fights for his first title defence, preferring it be in Spain, with Holloway provoking a lengthy post from the Georgian- Spanish fighter, who demanded the Hawaiian native put his BMF title on the line if the two were to fight.

Holloway poked fun at the post, telling Rogan he did not bother to read it because it looked like an “angry girlfriend text”.