2 weeks Ago By Alexander K. Lee
Alexander Volkanovski | Photo by Cooper Neill/Zuffa LLC Alexander Volkanovski took 14 months to rest and recover from his last loss. Don’t expect to wait that long to see “The Great” again.The now two-time featherweight champion is eager to capitalize on his UFC 314 title fight triumph over Diego Lopes, which is good news for a division rife with compelling challengers.
There’s Yair Rodriguez, who could land a rematch with Volkanovski after spoiling longtime Bellator star Patricio Pitbull’s UFC debut on Saturday. There’s the undefeated Movsar Evloev, currently 9-0 in the octagon. And then there’s the fast-rising Jean Silva, who also competed at UFC 314, stealing the show with a choke-out of Bryce Mitchell.
As far as Volkanovski is concerned, they can all get it, and he might be able to cross two names off the list in the next eight months.“I guess fighting-wise, I obviously wanted to get back in there,” Volkanovski told TMZ Sports. “I mentioned about being very active, I still want to be active.
Just got to get a few things looked at, obviously a few bumps and bruises, see how that goes, talk to the UFC, and we’ll make it happen.“I’m definitely fighting again this year, but the question is, am I doing two more?”If Rodriguez—a native of Mexico—has his way, he’d set up a dream fight with Volkanovski at UFC 320 in Guadalajara on Sept. 13.
Volkanovski defeated Rodriguez at UFC 290 in a title unification bout when “El Pantera” was carrying an interim belt.Rodriguez might be an easier sell right now than Evloev, whose grappling-heavy fighting style hasn’t endeared him to UFC CEO Dana White and the matchmakers, despite wins over Lopes, Arnold Allen, and former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling.Volkanovski, 36, doesn’t feel there’s a clear-cut No.
1 contender at the moment so he’s going to take his time letting his bumps and bruises heal before working out what’s next.“That’s what it is,” Volkanovski said. “I was hoping it would be a lot more clearer, especially because I want to be active, I was hoping it would be a lot more clearer, but it’s just not.
Not yet. So we’ll see.“I think Movsar was the name I kept mentioning, I’ve just got to see if the UFC even want that.
Right? Does the UFC want that, do the people want that? I’m sure Movsar wants that, but I’ve just got to see what makes sense. But again, I’m going to be active enough where I can make sure whoever wants it, they probably both can get it done this year.”TOP STORIESRankings.
Where does the UFC featherweight division stand with Ilia Topuria’s exit and Alexander Volkanovski, Yair Rodriguez, and Jean Silva all picking up huge wins at UFC 314?Scam. Combat sports veteran Alan Belcher calls out the GFL for the league’s latest setback.Ouch.
Matt Brown asks if Michael Chandler might not be UFC caliber.Deciphered. It turns out Tyron Woodley’s debut rap song was a shot at none other than Dana White.
Choices. Amanda Nunes prefers Kayla Harrison over a Julianna Peña trilogy and Khabib Nurmagomedov sees Arman Tsarukyan as a tougher test than Ilia Topuria for Islam Makhachev.RIP.
Condolences to Marvin Vettori and his family following the tragic news of his brother Patrick’s death.VIDEO STEWMMA Fighting’s Guilherme Cruz sits down across Caio Borralho for a true meeting of the minds.Michael Bisping and Paul Felder review UFC 314.
More UFC 314 talk from Rampage Jackson and the gang.The beginning.FLAVOR IN YOUR EARFighter vs.
Writer. MMA Fighting’s Damon Martin talks to Matt Brown about the fallout from UFC 314, the rise of Paddy Pimblett and Jean Silva, where Michael Chandler goes from here, and more.SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSEThe best knockouts of the week.
Hilo con los mejores KOs/TKOs de la semana. Top 20— Barrele la pierna (@Barrelelapierna) April 14, 2025Call your shot.Excellent performance @alexvolkanovski good to see you back on top.
Though I think I have the skill set to cause you serious problems, it will be one hell of a fight. Let’s do it in July champ — LERONE MURPHY (@LeroneMurphy) April 15, 2025Still plenty of aura. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Alex "Poatan" Pereira (@alexpoatanpereira)I can hear this tweet (and yes, it’s the Volkanovski version).
“CUZ TONIGHT WILL BE THE NOIGHT THAT I WILL FALL FOR YA-OOOUUUUU” #UFC314 pic.twitter.com/1IXuSTYg47— Allysin Kay (@TheAllysinKay) April 13, 2025Chuckle.
https://t.co/Qhc4aHxANj pic.twitter.
com/f6uEqlb7RK— Diego Lopez (@thisdiegolopez) April 15, 2025Lookin’ good. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Edson Barboza Jr (@edsonbarbozajr)Too much? View this post on Instagram A post shared by Full Violence Brand (@fullviolencebrand)Former champs unite.Israel Adesanya training with Sean O’Malley at O’Malley’s training compound in Arizona @stylebender pic.
twitter.com/PKWnTEGlNG— MMA Orbit (@mma_orbit) April 15, 2025This will end well.Oh no pic.
twitter.com/ua15A3rUtR— Borrachinha Depot (@FullContactMTWF) April 15, 2025FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTSMarlon Vera (23-10-1) vs. Mario Bautista (15-2); UFC 316, June 7Johnny Walker (21-9, 1 NC) vs.
Azamat Murzakanov (14-0); UFC 316, June 7FINAL THOUGHTSI was definitely one of the doubters, but man, it feels good to see Alexander Volkanovski with a championship belt around his waist again. For better or for worse, MMA is one field where athletes are allowed to hang on longer than they should; in Volkanovski’s case, his persistence paid off. No matter how long he holds onto the belt this time or chooses to stick around, it was all worth it.
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