Ilia Topuria calls Volkanovski the featherweight GOAT, rules out rematch, says Tsarukyan would 'panic'

Ilia Topuria, the former UFC featherweight and lightweight champion, has named Alexander Volkanovski the greatest featherweight in MMA history. He knocked Volkanovski out to take that title at UFC 298 in February 2024, but he says he will not fight the Australian again. Topuria made the comments in interviews with Spanish outlet ABC and MMA journalist Alvaro Colmenero. The clips spread on social media from November 6, and MMA Junkie highlighted them on Monday, November 9. In the same ABC interview, he said Arman Tsarukyan would be in "pure panic" against him.

"He's accomplished much more than I have"

Topuria (17-1) beat Volkanovski with a second-round knockout in Anaheim, but he still ranks him above everyone else at 145 pounds.

"For me personally, he's the best featherweight in history, above everyone," Topuria said, as quoted by Knockout Daily and BJPenn.com. "Yes, I beat him. I beat Max Holloway. I did things nobody else had done. But looking at his record over all those years, he's accomplished much more than I have."

In another version of the quote, reported by Fox Sports Australia and NY Fights, Topuria said: "I was the champion, and I've done things that nobody else has done, but I left the division. He's done much more at that weight than I have."

Volkanovski (29-4), 38, is in his second reign as featherweight champion. He stopped Movsar Evloev in the second round at UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi on October 24. AgentMMA reported that the win gave him the UFC record for featherweight title fight wins, with nine.

No rematch: "I couldn't hit him"

Since UFC 333, Volkanovski has talked about moving back up to lightweight. He wants a fight with champion Justin Gaethje, and he has said he is open to a rematch with Topuria. Topuria shut that down.

"Honestly, I respect him so much and I've grown so fond of him that I couldn't hit him," Topuria said. "There are things I just don't want to do. What for? It could be a very competitive fight. Just because I beat him doesn't mean he can't beat me. Anything can happen."

Tsarukyan would be "pure panic"

Topuria compared a possible lightweight fight with Tsarukyan (24-3) to how Volkanovski beat Evloev. MMA Junkie reported the quotes, crediting ABC MMA via Freak MMA.

"Arman would be pure panic on the feet trying to take you down," Topuria said. "Like Movsar against Volk, the same thing. They are used to dominating all the time, and their confidence grows through that domination. When you cannot dominate, especially as a wrestler... it becomes exhausting. Arman does not stand out for his ground game."

He added: "I have been world champion in two divisions, in four world title fights... I grew up grappling and wrestling. I have more wrestling photos than photos playing in the park. It's my life."

What's next for Topuria

Topuria has not fought since he lost the lightweight title to Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250 on June 14, 2026. His brother stepped in to stop that fight, and it was the first loss of his career. UFC CEO Dana White has said the plan is for Topuria to return in early 2027. Gaethje's manager, Ali Abdelaziz, has said a Gaethje rematch "will never happen". Topuria has also called for a fight with Paddy Pimblett. Tsarukyan is seen as one of the top contenders at 155 pounds.

No opponent or date has been set for Topuria's next fight.