The fight for the next title shot in the UFC's featherweight division is heating up, and Alexander Volkanovski is already thinking several steps ahead. But here's where it gets controversial—will the fight fans want him to face the top contender he’s eyeing, or would others prefer to see a different matchup?
Recently, Alexander Volkanovski successfully defended his featherweight championship in the UFC 325 main event, setting the stage for what’s next in his career. At the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia, he outperformed Diego Lopes over a five-round contest, demonstrating his skill and resilience to retain his title.
After the fight, Volkanovski didn’t just celebrate—he also revealed the opponent he hopes to face next, sparking debate among fans and analysts alike.
What’s the Future Hold for Alexander Volkanovski?
The new contender on his radar is Movsar Evloev, an undefeated Russian fighter with a perfect 19-0 record. Despite his impressive streak, Evloev was surprisingly overlooked for a title shot at UFC 325, which many fans and pundits found perplexing. Currently, Evloev is set to compete in a key eliminator against Lerone Murphy at UFC London on March 21. The winner is widely expected to earn a shot at the featherweight belt.
Volkanovski expressed his interest in fighting Evloev, emphasizing that an undefeated streak often makes a compelling storyline for fans and the media. During a post-fight interview, he highlighted Evloev’s wrestling and grappling style, which he believes is emblematic of the modern UFC—what some are calling the “new era” of the sport.
In his words, “Movsar’s 19-0 record, and that style of wrestling and grappling—it’s taking over the UFC right now. If they fight, I think Movsar will win. And honestly, I’d probably end up facing him next.”
This raises an intriguing question: should the UFC prioritize undefeated fighters like Evloev for title opportunities, or should they explore other options such as Arman Tsarukyan or Jean Silva? Fans, what do you think? Would you support Volkanovski taking on Evloev, or do you believe a different contender should get the shot?
An Update on Diego Lopes’ Condition
In the aftermath of UFC 325, Lopes broke his silence from the hospital, revealing the extent of his injuries. His manager, Jason House, shared a photo showing Lopes sitting on a hospital bed, looking surprisingly upbeat despite the circumstances.
“Looks like we broke both feet,” House captioned the image on Instagram, a statement Lopes echoed by reposting the photo. House also reflected on their night, noting, “Some nights you’re at the afterparty, other nights you’re in the ER. But every morning, I give thanks for this life and the company of my friends.”
While the exact recovery timeline is still uncertain, it’s clear Lopes faces a tough road ahead. His injuries serve as a stark reminder of how brutal and unpredictable MMA can be—and why fighters' resilience often becomes a core part of their story.
So, fighters and fans alike, what’s your take? Do you agree with Volkanovski’s choice of opponent, or do you think the UFC should pursue another match-up for him? And how do you feel about Lopes’ recovery? Share your thoughts—this debate is just getting started!
