UFC 214's Volkan Oezdemir understands UFC might make Jones-Gustafsson 2, but wants title shot

ANAHEIM, Calif. – Upset-maker Volkan Oezdemir wants to climb the UFC light-heavyweight ranks faster than anyone else, which is fitting considering his nickname – “No Time.”

The way things are looking, Oezdemir (15-1 MMA, 3-0 UFC) might have a shot. A 42-second knockout of Jimi Manuwa (17-3 MMA, 6-3 UFC) in Saturday’s UFC 214 pay-per-view main-card opener marked his third UFC win and second straight upset of a high-ranked opponent.

The only roadblock now is Jon Jones’ unfinished business.

“I think I proved that (I’m a top contender) because (Manuwa) was supposed to be fighting for the belt,” Oezdemir said after his bonus-winning knockout at Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif. “So my goal is to go for the belt right away and be the fastest rising guy for the belt.

“I understand, for sure, (if they give it to Alexander Gustafsson), because there is a beef with Jon Jones and Cormier, because both have tough five-round fights with Gustafsson, and I think the fans want to see (those) fights – the revenge. It’s a lot about what the people want to see, too. You’ve got to be able to make exciting matches. But I think I’m going to be able to make an exciting fight because I know I’m going to knock both of them out.”

Oezdemir didn’t know then that Cormier (19-2 MMA, 8-2 UFC) would end up knocked out when Jones (23-1 MMA, 17-1 UFC) stopped him in the third round of Saturday’s main event with a head kick.

UFC President Dana White didn’t firmly commit to the promotion’s next move in the 205-pound class, which is once again topped by Jones after Cormier’s two-year reign. Brock Lesnar has even entered the mix.

But Oezdemir said he doesn’t want to wait around for Jones to determine his schedule.

“If I have to wait, I’ll wait, but I want to be active, too,” he said. “So I’m going to have to think about it.”

Oezdemir can count on one thing: a big jump in the top-15 list. He is now the No. 8 fighter in the USA TODAY Sports/MMAjunkie MMA light heavyweight rankings, one below Manuwa. Count on a flip-flop.

The 27-year-old Oezdemir’s opportunities could lag behind his number. The good news? He’s still got time.

For more on UFC 214, check out the UFC Events section of the site.