This was announced at a press conference in Las Vegas by UFC president, Dana White.
“I just think Volkanovski is unquestionably dominating the division right now, and there are people who believe he beat Islam Makhachev,” the organization’s leader said when asked by a reporter about “Blessed’s” title chances. “I’m not sure it makes sense at this stage to put Max up against him again. I’m not comfortable with that. People want my opinion? Tell them it’s a bad idea.”
Alexander Volkanovski, ranked as the organization’s second best fighter regardless of weight class, has fought two fights this year, losing by unanimous decision to Islam Makhachev at lightweight and successfully unifying the current and interim UFC featherweight titles against Yair Rodriguez, who he finished by technical knockout in the third round.
Currently, the Australian’s most likely opponent is undefeated Georgian welterweight Ilia Topuria, ranked fifth in the division’s rankings.