Alexander Volkanovski handled a reasonably serious concussion after his first UFC loss by knockout.
The reigning featherweight champion was put to sleep by a head kick when he stepped as much as the lightweight division for a short-notice rematch with Islam Makhachev, whom he previously pushed to a split decision verdict.
Three months later, Alexander Volkanovski lost his 145lb title to Ilia Topuria at UFC 298 in February 2024.
The recently crowned lightweight king knocked out Volkanovski with a punch through the second round of a fight that the Australian fan favorite now admits he shouldn’t have taken so soon after losing to Islam Makhachev.
- READ MORE: Alexander Volkanovski reveals his family encouraged him to retire following title win at UFC 314
Alexander Volkanovski admits UFC 298 mistake
Alexander Volkanovski recently sat down for a chat with considered one of the UFC’s greatest-ever fighters.
During his conversation with former flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson, ‘The Great’ detailed the concussion symptoms he endured after his respective KO loss against Makhachev and Topuria.
Volkanovski noted that although he was unconscious for longer after facing ‘El Matador,’ he actually experienced more concussion symptoms following his fight with Makhachev a couple of months prior.
For that reason, he thinks he made a large mistake by jumping right into a fight with Topuria.
“I feel like I had more of a concussion from the Islam one,” Volkanovski told Johnson.
“Though I used to be knocked out long with Ilia, I had so much more of the symptoms with the Islam one.
“I didn’t have head contact [for 90 days], but now you’re easing into it and ensuring you don’t get hit.
“You’re attempting to put yourself in a safer position, and also you even start camp mistaken.
“I should’ve had the break.”
What’s next for Alexander Volkanovski?
Volkanovski won back his featherweight belt by outpointing Diego Lopes at UFC 314 in April.
Movsar Evloev is the division’s primary contender and needs to be next in line for a title shot.
Nevertheless, he first has to get past promotional newcomer Aaron Pico at UFC Abu Dhabi on July 26.
It’s currently unclear if Volkanovski will wait for the winner of that fight or take an interim bout.
There have been strong rumors a couple of Yair Rodriguez rematch, but that matchup has been slammed by fans attributable to the very fact ‘El Pantera’ is 1-1 within the Octagon since being battered by Volkanovski at UFC 290 in July 2023.
“I’ll fight whoever,” the 145lb legend told Johnson. “Whoever they put in front of me, I’m fighting…
“Should you ask me, ‘Who would I be most excited for?’ It probably can be Movsar.”