UFC Embedded is a fascinating format, where the fighters are constantly being followed by the cameras during the fight week. Of course, some entertaining interactions always come out of that.
During the fourth episode of the UFC 317 Embedded, Topuria, who’s fighting in the main event of UFC 317, encountered his former opponent, Alexander Volkanovski.
The fighters were incredibly respectful towards each other during their interaction at UFC PI. They shook hands, and “good” and “nice” could be heard from each side. After the Georgian had left, Volkanovski jokingly said, “A lot of cameras against me every time, huh?”
This run-in is especially interesting because, since Topuria relinquished his featherweight belt after beating both Volkanovski and Max Holloway, the Australian managed to pick it back up against Diego Lopes in April this year.
There has been a lot of talk about the rematch between the two after Topuria defended his belt in October last year. The second bout never materialized since “El Matador” decided to move up. It seems as though it is not even on either man’s mind that they could once again face each other.
Topuria has been quoted praising Volkanovski’s performance at UFC 314 on his Joe Rogan Experience appearance in April. “He’s so great,” he shared. “I was so happy for him this Saturday because he really deserves to get that title back.”
While Volkanovski is almost always respectful to everybody around him, seeing Topuria express his appreciation for the former competition is quite rare.
Seeing that interaction, it looks like both men are focused on their own goals, which do not foresee fighting each other. Even in the case of Topuria winning the lightweight title this Saturday, the possibility of a super-fight rematch between them seems slim.
Considering Volkanovski has a few contenders at featherweight, and presumably not that much time left in the sport, the matchup is even less likely to happen.
Main image credit: Mike Roach/Zuffa LLC
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