Linked with a potential immediate title fight rematch with former champion, Alexander Volkanovski off the back of his own coronation earlier this annum, as per color-commentator, Joe Rogan, newly-minted champion, Ilia Topuria turned down the offer to fight the Australia in August at UFC 305 in a rematch.
Topuria, the current undisputed featherweight champion, headlined UFC 298 earlier this year in his first championship clash under the banner of the promotion, turning in a stunning victory to remain unbeaten in his grudge fight with Volkanovski.
Handing the New South Wales native his first divisional defeat in the process, Topuria ended the former pound-for-pound number one ranked fighter’s dominant reign at the featherweight limit, courtesy of a blistering second round KO win at the Octagon fence.