Alexander Volkov should be considered for the next fight against Tom Aspinall for the UFC heavyweight title, following recent developments in the division. With Jon Jones officially retired, Tom Aspinall now stands as the undisputed heavyweight champion, presenting new opportunities for contenders like Volkov to earn a title shot.
Volkov Builds a Strong Argument for the Upcoming Title Bout
Alexander Volkov, a former Bellator champion, has steadily climbed the UFC heavyweight ranks by securing four wins in his last five fights. Despite losses to current champion Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane in his recent ten fights, Volkov maintains a competitive edge among top contenders. He holds victories over notable fighters including Sergei Pavlovich, Alistair Overeem, and Fabricio Werdum, and is unique among the top five heavyweights for never having competed in a title fight.
Volkov’s most recent setback was a split decision loss to Ciryl Gane at UFC 310, a result that sparked debate, as many believed Volkov had done enough to win. UFC President Dana White acknowledged the controversy and apologized to Volkov, expressing a desire to correct the situation. Volkov also lost to Aspinall in 2022 but has since defeated Jairzinho Rozenstruik, Alexandr Romanov, Tai Tuivasa, and Pavlovich—fighters who have challenged for the interim title, solidifying Volkov’s claim for a rematch.
With Jon Jones no longer in contention, Volkov has indicated that his window for a championship fight may be closing, emphasizing the urgency of earning the next title opportunity as a seasoned 17-fight UFC veteran.
Ciryl Gane Faces Pressure After Multiple Title Fight Defeats
Ciryl Gane is positioned for another chance at the undisputed heavyweight title, despite having lost his two previous attempts. Following a seven-fight winning streak, Gane challenged Francis Ngannou but was defeated by unanimous decision. He bounced back with a win over Tai Tuivasa before facing Jon Jones for the vacant title in 2023, where he suffered a first-round submission loss at UFC 285.
Gane has since returned to form with a technical knockout victory against Serghei Spivac and a closely contested decision against Volkov, despite battling a foot injury early in that fight. Still, his name recognition remains high; however, some voices within the MMA community believe the next title shot is better suited for Volkov.
Everything is now set in motion,
Gane teased on Instagram.
Why Volkov’s Title Challenge Carries Weight
Volkov’s consistent performance against top-tier opponents and his resilience after setbacks reinforce his status as a deserving heavyweight contender. While Gane’s record in undisputed title fights stands at 0-2, Volkov seems to have earned momentum through multiple tough fights against leading competitors. Moreover, Volkov’s ability to defeat fighters who recently challenged for the interim belt adds further credibility to his claim.
With Dana White and the UFC eager for an active and dynamic heavyweight champion in Tom Aspinall, a matchup with Volkov could provide a compelling storyline and competitive fight. Aspinall’s emergence as the undisputed champion after Jones’ retirement marks a new chapter, and Volkov’s potential title shot could significantly shape the division’s future.