Alexander Volkanovski has warned Sean O’Malley that the clock is ticking.
If UFC Bantamweight Champion Sean O’Malley wants to make a firm push for a showdown with the featherweight kingpin, Alexander Volkanovski has suggested that his window to do so is short.
O’Malley recorded his first successful defense of the 135-pound gold this past weekend in Miami, Florida, where he topped the UFC 299 pay-per-view opposite longtime rival Marlon Vera.
“Sugar” made good on his predicted superiority over “Chito,” avenging his TKO loss to the Ecuadorian three and a half years ago by dominating him across 25 minutes of action at the Kaseya Center.
In attendance was Merab Dvalishvili, whom many believe is long overdue a shot at the title. Post-fight, however, O’Malley once again had the name of featherweight champ Ilia Topuria on his lips.
But one man at 145 pounds has no plans to be pushed aside…
Alexander Volkanovski Tells Sean O’Malley: ‘I Know I’m Fighting For The Title Next’
During a video uploaded to his YouTube channel, Volkanovski provided his immediate reactions to the events that unfolded at UFC 299 in Miami on Saturday night.
After laying heavy praise on O’Malley for his striking clinic across five rounds in the main event, the Australian turned his attention to the champ’s post-fight interview. Specifically, Volkanovski showed interest in “Sugar’s” decision to once again call out Topuria.
“Alexander the Great” insisted he has a title shot in the calendar for later this year, noting that O’Malley will have to get the ball rolling for a quick turnaround if he’s to fit a shot at champ-champ status in beforehand.
“He called out Ilia. Look, unless you fight Ilia anytime soon — if yous can do a turnaround anytime soon, I guess you can have him,” Volkanovski said. “I’m having a little rest, but I’m fighting him later in the year, or whenever that is.
“So I know I’m fighting for the title next. So if you are gonna try to squeeze that in, it better be soon because I’m next,” Volkanovski continued. “There’s your little window, if you want it.”
In all likelihood, however, it doesn’t appear that the matchup will come to fruition anytime soon.
As well as UFC CEO Dana White pouring cold water on it during his post-fight press conference at UFC 299, Topuria himself pointed to Dvalishvili as O’Malley’s next port of call.