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 lock horns with.

Volkanovski’s last fight came at UFC 325, where he secured another dominant victory over Diego Lopes in their rematch. After that, the Australian signed a fresh contract and does not plan to retire anytime soon.

“The Great” wants to lock horns with top and deserving contenders and has his crosshairs on the undefeated Movsar Evloev, who is riding a 10-fight UFC win streak and is the number one contender. Evloev most recently snatched Lerone Murphy’s undefeated record at UFC London to impress the UFC brass.

Alexander Volkanovski discusses potential date for next bout and opponent

During a recent interview with MMA Junkie’s Mike Bohn, Alexander Volkanovski said that the promotion has big events coming up in the next few weeks: UFC Freedom 250 and UFC 329. Thus, the matchmakers and the UFC brass have a lot on their plate at the moment, but as soon as these events conclude, he expects his next title defense to be announced. 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.” [h/t: MMA Junkie]

Volkanovski wants to fight anytime between August and September and is eyeing headlining 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.” [h/t: MMA Junkie]

After the Diego Lopes rematch, the Australian had made it clear that he has a duty as a champion to make sure only top and deserving contenders get a title shot and no one should be fast-tracked to one. During the same MMA Junkie interview, he added that he’s looking forward to facing Movsar Evloev and believes the latter is for sure the 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.” [h/t: MMA Junkie]

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