Alexander Volkanovski frightened by possibility of falling from MMA mountaintop at 35-years-old, names next opponent to keep life interesting

Former UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski may be enduring a stage of crisis in his career considering he has lost two fights in a row for the first time in his professional journey.

The Australian succumbed to a head-kick knockout loss in his second bid to capture the lightweight gold and the double champ status against Islam Makhachev at UFC 294. Following that, the woes continued for 'The Great,' as he yielded to a knockout loss to Ilia Topuria at UFC 298, dropping the 145-pound crown in the process.

Volkanovski is keen on testing himself against Topuria again. However, there are strong rumors that Topuria may face the challenge of Max Holloway next.

In the interim, Volkanovski would like to take on the challenge of former lightweight titleholder Charles Oliveira according to a report by Fox Sports Australia. Volkanovski said:

“There is nobody (at featherweight) that excites me, or that I haven't fought already, and (the UFC) have said my next one is the title fight.”

In a candid reflection on his career, Volkanovski added:

“What happens if you wait around and fall off the edge? If all of a sudden you're 36 and literally it goes. I still feel great but there is the risk of that. Or maybe I wait it out, get injured and then suddenly you haven't fought in two years." [h/t: Spinnin Backfist on X]

Check out the post below:

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Alexander Volkanovski lauds Alex Pereira's activity as a champion

UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira will take on Jiri Prochazka in a short-notice rematch in the upcoming UFC 303 event.

The event underwent massive alterations after Conor McGregor and Jamahal Hill were both forced to pull out of their respective fights due to injury. However, Pereira, who recently competed at the iconic UFC 300 card in April, agreed to make the quick turnaround to take on Prochazka.

Alexander Volkanovski, the former UFC featherweight king, knows a thing or two about being an active champion, having defended his throne five times. Speaking about Pereira's activity in a recent video on his YouTube channel, Volkanovski stated:

“He is defending his belt, he isn’t just fighting anyone. He is defending his belt on short notice. I am sure he would have got a good paycheck. But it just shows you what type of guy he is. You do not see many champions like this. There are a few of us that were fighting as regularly, defending regularly. There are some people that want to choose the right fights, right timing and what not. Alex Pereira isn’t one of those guys.”

Catch Volkanovski's comments below (18:30):