Alex Volkanovski has sent a message to UFC boss Dana White and pushed for clarity over his world title rematch with Ilia Topuria despite the Spanish champ floating a move up to lightweight.
Aussie UFC superstar Volkanovksi had hoped to be headlining UFC 312 but Topuria's victory over Max Holloway in Abu Dhabi late last year was always going to make that hard.
Coincidentally, both men will be at the event cornering against each other, with Topuria's brother Aleksandre set to make his octagon debut against Volkanovski's teammate Colby Thicknesse in a bantamweight bout on the preliminary card.
There has been talk that the UFC will confirm Topuria's second title defence against Volkanovski as the main event for UFC 314 in Miami but Volkanovski says he has not received paperwork from the promotion as rumours swirl of Topuria's potential move up to fight lightweight champ Islam Makhachev.
Speaking to Wide World of Sports, Volkanovski said he's ready to get back in the cage after having almost a year off following his loss to Topuria in February 2024.
Alexander Volkanovski and Ilia Topuria face off at UFC 308. Getty
"If the UFC want to try and make that happen (Topuria move up to lightweight) and both fighters want it. Sweet no worries. I'm not going to hold back someone being double champion," Volkanovski said on Saturday.
"I just don't want to be waiting around. So as long as I'm fighting soon, I'm happy. So right now we're in a position, like 'Dana, what are we doing mate? I took the break and I was OK with waiting but now let's get back into it.'"
The extended time off was foreign to the former champion during his championship reign.
He's had two knockout losses in a row and after his defeat to Topuria last year, the Aussie great decided to commit to taking time off like he had never done before.
An emotional Volkanovski choked back tears following his 2023 loss to Makhachev, revealing that that he was struggling with his identity away from the octagon and that played a key role in him taking the lightweight title fight on 12 days notice.
Alexander Volkanovski was emotional in his post-fight press conference after the second loss to Makhachev. UFC
However, Volkanovski said he no longer feels that way. He enjoyed taking time off, doing work in the media and also with Sportsbet, which saw him set up his own Deli in Melbourne at the Caulfield Cup.
He believes the emotions he showed after his second loss to Makhachev paved the way for him to find himself again away from the fight world.
"That was just a timing thing. Me having this big break and me really committing to it," he said. "When I'd have breaks in between fights, I didn't want them breaks because I was still 100 per cent committed to training and investing.
"So when I'm in the gym and there's nothing in sight it was a lot harder for me. I felt like I had a responsibility to my belt and I was putting so much energy in there and nothing happening. It was tricky then.
Alexander Volkanovski. Brett Costello
"But now I committed to having a rest and I really enjoyed it. Now I understand the difference. I did have that fighter's identity. It's not a bad thing, it's what it takes to be the best.
"You need that when you're full invested in it. I had no time for anything but my family and building that machine. I had no time for myself which was difficult when I wasn't fighting.
"Now that I had the break, I've been able to be myself again which has been great. I've been able to spend more quality time with the family. But now I've got to put that fighter's identity back on and I'm OK with that because I get it now.
"I'm glad I understand it now, so I can teach the younger athletes how to not go through this because I'm pretty sure It's a common thing. Now that I'm back on I'm ready for that purpose, let's go."
The Aussie MMA great said during his championship run, it was hard to separate himself from the belt and the duties that went with it.
Ilia Topuria lands a right on the Aussie. Getty
"Now I know I can put on that fighter's identity and then be me. Back then that's what I was worried about before, "Am I going to be OK after this?," he said.
"That was a big thing for me. I didn't know then but I know now. I get it. A big chunk of you goes with this sport and I'm OK with it because I'm able to be myself again.
"During the break, I asked myself, 'Do I really want to get back into this again?' The fact that happened showed me I can be happy later in my life.
"Before I'd have a break and I didn't understand how to let go because I was so caught up in defending the belt.
"Whereas now I know that's going to happen for a year or two or whenever it is and then I'm going to sail off into the sunset. And I can't wait for that.
"But what I can't wait for more right now is to get stuck into it and be that guy again. I'm OK with that. I accept it. Bring it on."
As for the main event at UFC 312, Volkanovski is tipping a successful Du Plessis title defence.
"Du Plessis in five rounds. I think Strickland takes him the distance but DDP comes out on top."