Current two-time UFC Featherweight Champion Alexander Volkanovski has indicated his next appearance in the octagon and revealed his desired opponent.

Following a decisive victory over Diego Lopes in their rematch at UFC 325, Volkanovski, who recently signed a new contract, has no immediate plans for retirement. He expressed a desire to face worthy contenders and has set his sights on the undefeated Movsar Evloev, the current number one contender with a ten-fight winning streak in the UFC. Evloev further solidified his claim by defeating Lerone Murphy at UFC London, impressing UFC officials.

In a recent discussion with Mike Bohn of MMA Junkie, Volkanovski acknowledged the UFC’s busy schedule with upcoming major events like UFC Freedom 250 and UFC 329. He anticipates that his next title defense will be announced once these events conclude.

“Obviously, I want something announced – not even announced, I want it locked in, as well. But you’ve got to understand they have a schedule they need to keep with a lot of champions, a lot of other people fighting, a lot of bigger events, with this one and obviously Conor [McGregor] fighting [at UFC 329]. Maybe once they get this out of the way, they can start putting energy everywhere else.”

Volkanovski is aiming for a fight between August and September, ideally headlining UFC 331.

“I was obviously looking for anywhere from August to September. September is being brought up a lot with everyone. There are dates that look good. Whatever works, we’ll see.”

After his rematch with Diego Lopes, Volkanovski emphasized his responsibility as champion to grant title shots only to deserving contenders and to avoid fast-tracking anyone. In the same interview, he confirmed his eagerness to face Movsar Evloev, whom he believes is the rightful next title challenger.

“You’ve always got to be ready for a curveball. It’s a crazy sport. That’s why everyone loves it. But at the same time, obviously Movsar is the most deserving No. 1 contender. He’s been No. 1 contender for a while, and everyone knows me as champion. I want to fight the No. 1 guy. I want to fight the guy who deserves it, and it is Movsar. That’s what I’m pushing for, and I’m pretty sure that’s what the UFC wants anyway, so I think that’s exactly what’s going to happen.”

English Translation:

Alexander Volkanovski Reveals Expected Return Date, Names Next Opponent

The current and two-time UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski has revealed when he plans to enter the octagon next and who he will face.

Volkanovski’s last fight was at UFC 325, where he secured another dominant victory over Diego Lopes in their rematch. Following this, the Australian signed a new contract and has no intention of retiring soon.

“The Great” aims to fight top and deserving contenders and has his sights set on the undefeated Movsar Evloev, who is riding a 10-fight UFC win streak and holds the number one contender position. Evloev most recently defeated Lerone Murphy at UFC London, ending his undefeated record and impressing the UFC brass.

Alexander Volkanovski Discusses Potential Date for Next Bout and Opponent

In a recent interview with MMA Junkie’s Mike Bohn, Alexander Volkanovski stated that the promotion has significant events scheduled in the coming weeks: UFC Freedom 250 and UFC 329. Consequently, the matchmakers and UFC officials are currently very busy. However, he expects his next title defense to be announced once these events are concluded. He said:

“Obviously, I want something announced – not even announced, I want it locked in, as well. But you’ve got to understand they have a schedule they need to keep with a lot of champions, a lot of other people fighting, a lot of bigger events, with this one and obviously Conor [McGregor] fighting [at UFC 329]. Maybe once they get this out of the way, they can start putting energy everywhere else.”

Volkanovski hopes to fight sometime between August and September and is targeting a headlining spot at UFC 331. He added:

“I was obviously looking for anywhere from August to September. September is being brought up a lot with everyone. There are dates that look good. Whatever works, we’ll see.”

After his rematch with Diego Lopes, the Australian made it clear that as champion, he has a responsibility to ensure that only top and deserving contenders receive a title shot and that no one should be fast-tracked. During the same MMA Junkie interview, he reiterated his desire to face Movsar Evloev, believing him to be the clear next title challenger.

“You’ve always got to be ready for a curveball. It’s a crazy sport. That’s why everyone loves it. But at the same time, obviously Movsar is the most deserving No. 1 contender. He’s been No. 1 contender for a while, and everyone knows me as champion. I want to fight the No. 1 guy. I want to fight the guy who deserves it, and it is Movsar. That’s what I’m pushing for, and I’m pretty sure that’s what the UFC wants anyway, so I think that’s exactly what’s going to happen.”