Following a significant break after his previous defeat, featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski is signaling a quick return to action. Fans won`t have to wait long to see “The Great” back in the octagon.
Fresh off his championship win at UFC 314 against Diego Lopes, Volkanovski is keen to take advantage of the momentum. This is exciting news for the featherweight division, which is brimming with strong contenders.
Potential opponents include Yair Rodriguez, who is vying for a rematch after his recent victory, and the undefeated Movsar Evloev, boasting a perfect 9-0 UFC record. Another name in the mix is the rising star Jean Silva, who impressed at UFC 314 with a dominant submission win over Bryce Mitchell.
Volkanovski seems ready to face any challenger and even hinted at the possibility of competing twice more within the remaining months of the year.
“I’m definitely planning to fight again this year,” Volkanovski stated in an interview. “I’m aiming to be very active and potentially fit in two more fights. First, I need to address a few minor injuries and consult with the UFC to finalize the plans.”
Yair Rodriguez, hoping for a fight in Mexico, has proposed a rematch with Volkanovski at UFC 320 in Guadalajara in September. Rodriguez previously held the interim title before losing to Volkanovski in a unification bout at UFC 290.
While Rodriguez is a popular choice, Evloev presents a different challenge. Despite his impressive winning streak and victories over notable fighters, Evloev`s grappling-focused style hasn`t resonated strongly with UFC management or fans.
Volkanovski, at 36, acknowledges the lack of a clear number one contender at this moment. He intends to use this time to recover fully before deciding on his next opponent and fight schedule.
“The contender situation isn’t as clear as I had hoped, especially given my desire to stay active,” Volkanovski commented. “I was expecting more clarity, but it’s still uncertain. We’ll wait and see.”
“Movsar Evloev is a name I’ve mentioned. However, we need to determine if the UFC is interested in that matchup and if it’s what the fans want to see. While I’m sure Movsar is eager for the fight, we need to find what makes the most sense. Ultimately, I plan to be active enough to potentially face multiple contenders before the year ends.”
Alexander Volkanovski is eager to defend his title and remain active in the featherweight division, with the possibility of two more fights before the end of the year.
