Dana White reveals Ilia Topuria's likely next fight

ABU DHABI – How does the UFC say no to Alexander Volkanovski?

That's the question Dana White asked the media after the conclusion of UFC 308 on Saturday at the Etihad Arena.

Of course, White is talking about the next title contender for UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria, who further expanded his fame with a huge knockout of Max Holloway in the main event of the card.

After the fight, Volkanovski (26-4 MMA, 13-3 UFC) was brought into the cage as UFC commentator Daniel Cormier interviewed Topuria (16-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC). The move doesn't always come through promotion, but is usually an indication of his future plans when it actually happens.

“Volkanovski is one of those guys,” White told MMA Junkie and other reporters at a post-fight press conference. “We will not refuse Volkanovski.”

The two top featherweights met back in February and Topuria won by knockout. Volkanovski hasn't fought since and is currently on a two-fight battle, having previously been knocked out in a lightweight title fight against Islam Makhachev.

While other top contenders like UFC 308 replacement fighter Diego Lopes have appeared in title talk, White pointed out that Volkanovski's past as an entrepreneur and his willingness to rescue the promotion from tough situations has put the UFC in his favor.

“He was always the right guy for us when we needed him,” White said. “He was on this run like (Israel) Adesanya and like Alex (Pereira) is on his way right now. When things don't go our way and you need to call someone, Volkanovski was always that guy. He really was. I don't think anyone in this room is saying, “Oh, that's ridiculous” or crazy for asking this. Who wouldn’t want to see it again?”

For more information on the card, check out MMA Junkie's UFC 308 event hub.