According to Alexander Volkanovski, UFC Featherweight Champion Ilia Topuria is yet to defeat the "real" version of "Alexander the Great" inside the Octagon.
Topuria brought Volkanovski's lengthy and dominant reign on the 145-pound throne to an end at the UFC 298 pay-per-view in Anaheim this past February, knocking the Australian out in round two.
Given that Volkanovski suffered a similar fate just four months prior at the hands of Islam Makhachev, many put the violent loss to "El Matador" down to the quick turnaround that the now-former champ committed to.
While he's avoided making any excuses, the 35-year-old has noted his intention to take a longer break before returning to action. And with that, "Alexander the Great" says Topuria can expect to face the "real" Volkanovski second time around...
Volkanovski Excited To Give Topuria 'Real' Test
During a recent interview with The AllStar, Volkanovski reiterated his insistence that a title challenge will await him upon his return to the Octagon toward the end of 2024.
Should that come to fruition, "Alexander the Great" has no doubt that things will play out much differently than they did in California earlier this year.
Not taking anything away because Ilia's a great fighter, but let's see — 'cause the next Volkanovski is gonna turn up, the real Volkanovski," the Australian said. "Let's see if Ilia can handle it.
"Again, I'm not taking anything away from him and not saying he can't. He's obviously got heavy hands, obviously got good skill," Volkanovski continued. "But I want him to be tested against the best version of myself.
For now, Topuria's focus appears to be elsewhere. Having dismissed claims he turned down a rematch with Volkanovski for Perth this August, the Georgian-Spaniard has been going back and forth with Max Holloway.
Given his demands for the Hawaiian's BMF belt to also be on the line, the date and stipulations for that potential title fight remain to be seen. Latest reports, however, suggest it is in the works for UFC 306 at the Sphere this September.
By the sound of things, Volkanovski will be waiting in the wings for the winner.