Featherweight contender Ilia Topuria believes that Alexander Volkanovski wants to avoid fighting him and instead seeks an easier rematch with Islam Makhachev after UFC 290. Topuria, who recently defeated Josh Emmett, questions Volkanovski's motivation to move back up to lightweight and believes it's because he sees Makhachev as a more winnable matchup. Despite Volkanovski's desire for a rematch with Makhachev, Topuria believes that he is the real danger in the featherweight division.

Topuria's comments come as Volkanovski defends his featherweight title against Yair Rodriguez at UFC 290. If Topuria gets his wish for a fight against Volkanovski, he believes it could be a huge matchup, with an undefeated contender facing one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the sport.

However, some argue that Topuria should still have to earn another win before receiving a title shot. Regardless, it is clear that Volkanovski's track record in the UFC shows he is not one to back down from a challenge. Whether or not Topuria will get his shot at Volkanovski remains to be seen.