Alexander Volkanovski is currently in a state of uncertainty regarding his next opponent for the UFC featherweight title defense. Earlier this year at UFC 314, Volkanovski solidified his legacy as one of the top featherweights by reclaiming his title in a vacant title bout against Diego Lopes. Despite pressure from his family to retire, he chose to remain active in the sport.
Volkanovski has been vocal about wanting to face undefeated fighter Movsar Evloev as his next challenger. He felt strongly about Evloev being next in line, but the UFC decided to book Evloev against Aaron Pico instead, thwarting Volkanovski’s plans. Complicating matters further, Evloev recently withdrew from this match, casting doubt on future fight bookings and consequently delaying Volkanovski’s title defense.
In an interview, Volkanovski expressed his frustration over the situation but remains optimistic, noting that other contenders like Lerone Murphy and Arnold Allen could step in and vie for the title shot if they secure wins in the meantime. He acknowledged how rapidly the dynamics of the division can shift, keeping his prospects open.
Adding to the mix, Volkanovski had an unexpected face-off with rising star Jean Silva, who is set to face Lopes on September 13. Silva is another fighter who could potentially position himself for a title shot with a victory.
This ongoing uncertainty in the featherweight division highlights Volkanovski’s commitment to facing the top challengers, and it keeps fans engaged as they await the next big match-up. The excitement surrounding potential fights remains high, emphasizing the vibrancy of the UFC featherweight landscape.