Alexander Volkanovski has a UFC exit strategy -- but a loss to Ilia Topuria isn't a part of it

Alex Volkanovski will defend his belt against Ilia Topuria on February 18th .

The 35-year-old Australian says he is in his prime and is focused on family and his career.

His coach Joe Lopez says he has "no regrets" about the decision to fight Islam Makhachev on 11 days' notice.

Volkanovski hasn't given up hope of becoming a two -division UFC champion.

But he acknowledges the loss to Makhachev in Abu Dhabi has made such a goal far more difficult.

The Australian wants to put that night behind him by silencing Topuria at UFC 298 .