The pair, who are rumored for a potential second encounter this year after Topuria took the belt off Volkanovski by second-round knockout at UFC 298 in February 2024, were plenty cordial when they crossed paths backstage at Friday’s ceremonial weigh-ins.

And while making an appearance, Volkanovski sat down for a fan Q&A with a host of other big names from the promotion. Tai Tuivasa, Daniel Cormier, Charles Oliveira and Jack Della Maddalena all took part, with a variety of strange moments arising.

Alexander Volkanovski and Ilia Topuria shared a bitter rivalry this past year. The duo faced each other at UFC 298 where Topuria knocked out Volkanovski in the second round to win the bout.

Alexander Volkanovski wants nothing more than to run things back with Ilia Topuria. After five title defenses, Volkanovski (26-4 MMA, 13-3 UFC) lost his featherweight title to Topuria by knockout at UFC 298 last February.

Featherweight champion Ilia Topuria and former 145lb king Alexander Volkanovski came face-to-face on the UFC stage earlier this morning.

An interesting subplot at UFC 312 involves UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria and former champ Alexander Volkanovski who will be cornering against each other on Saturday when Topuria's brother faces one of Volkanovski's teammates.

Rising middleweight star Bo Nickal has claimed a rematch between Ilia Topuria and Alexander Volkanovski is “official” for UFC 314 in April.

A massive rematch for the UFC featherweight title may be in the works for the promotion’s rumored return to Miami, FL on April 12.

Ilia Topuria confidently predicts he'll submit Alexander Volkanovski in their rematch, setting the stage for a high-stakes UFC showdown.

As great as it was to watch Ilia Topuria's rise to the featherweight championship, it was equally painful watching him put Alexander Volkanovski's lights out in the manner that he did. The post UFC Fans Brace for Darkest Trauma as Ilia Topuria vs Alexander Volkanovski Rematch Brings Heated Trash Talk appeared first on EssentiallySports.