Alex Volkanovski criticized UFC featherweight champion Elijah Topuria, who finds himself fighting a number of challengers at his weight but is challenging lightweight champion Islam Makhachev.
"This situation smells bad. Because the status of a champion is connected with responsibility. It's a serious pressure. You can't say 'no, no, no'. It's not right. People are used to the way I acted when I owned the belt. I understand he's up to his game. But you have to know how to be a champion. Does he even want to fight anytime soon? Probably not. But the UFC will make him. Topuria isn't in a position to decide anything on his own. He's not worthy of challenging the same Islam Makhachev. Although I understand why he's doing it. Topuria still has a lot to prove," Fox Sports quoted Volkanovski as saying.
