City Kickboxing’s Head Coach Urges Volkanovski to Prioritize Recovery Over Rematch
Following Alexander Volkanovski’s recent loss to Ilia Topuria at UFC 298, Eugene Bareman, the head coach of City Kickboxing, has advised the Australian fighter to focus on recuperation before rushing back into competition for a title shot. Despite Volkanovski’s expressed desire to secure a rematch with Topuria in the near future, Bareman emphasized the importance of allowing sufficient time for recovery, especially considering the knockouts Volkanovski has recently experienced.
Bareman highlighted the lack of immediate symptoms following Volkanovski’s loss to Topuria, in contrast to his previous knockout against Islam Makhachev. While acknowledging the complexity of concussion-related issues, Bareman underscored the need for Volkanovski to prioritize rest and sensible decision-making before considering his return to the octagon.
The UFC’s featherweight division is now in a state of flux with Topuria claiming the title. Former champion Max Holloway, who is slated to face Justin Gaethje at UFC 300, has a potential path back to contention following his losses to Volkanovski. Additionally, fighters like Brian Ortega and the undefeated Movsar Evloev are emerging as strong contenders for a shot at the featherweight championship.
As the landscape of the UFC’s featherweight division evolves, it remains to be seen how Volkanovski’s recovery will impact the title picture. While the desire for a rematch burns strong within him, Bareman’s advice serves as a cautionary reminder to prioritize health and well-being above all else in the demanding world of mixed martial arts.