Alexander Volkanovski is currently unsure who he will face for his next UFC featherweight title defense, as the division lacks a clear contender following recent fight cancellations. This uncertainty arises after Movsar Evloev withdrew from a scheduled bout, leaving fans and the promotion in suspense over Volkanovski’s upcoming opponent.
Volkanovski Insists Movsar Evloev Should Be His Next Challenger
After reclaiming the featherweight title earlier this year at UFC 314 by defeating Diego Lopes, Alexander Volkanovski expressed his preference to defend his belt against the undefeated Movsar Evloev. Despite Volkanovski’s repeated calls for that matchup, the UFC booked Evloev to face Aaron Pico instead, sidelining Volkanovski’s hopes for the anticipated fight.
This booking triggered speculation that Volkanovski might face Yair Rodriguez once again, which did not sit well with many UFC fans. However, those plans have stalled as Evloev recently pulled out of his bout with Pico, leaving the promotion’s next steps unclear. Whether the UFC will reschedule Evloev’s fight, find a replacement, or choose another contender remains uncertain.
I guess that’s what is happening which is unfortunate because as I’ve said I’ve made it clear that I believe he should be next, he deserves it and I know that he was gonna get the title shot if he was to win that fight so now that sort of puts a spanner in the works,
Volkanovski said to Main Event TV.
He added that the situation leaves options open:
What happens from here, are they pushing the fight back, is someone gonna replace him or the winner of that fight ends up being who I face so it leaves things up in the air for me but we’ll see what happens.
Volkanovski acknowledged other contenders are ready to step up if given the chance, noting:
It’s all up in the air. There are some guys, if you had your Lerone Murphy, Arnold Allen, there are some other guys who are right up there, if they were to fill in as a late replacement and get a win, I’m sure the UFC are gonna (give them a title shot),
he said.
A Glimpse at a Potential Future Opponent: Jean Silva
One fighter nearing a title opportunity is Jean Silva, who is scheduled to face Diego Lopes on September 13 in a significant bout for the featherweight division. Silva, a member of City Kickboxing and part of the Fighting Nerds crew alongside Volkanovski, could be one win away from earning a title shot.
Recently, Volkanovski and Silva took part in an impromptu faceoff, demonstrating mutual respect without animosity. Volkanovski remarked on their interaction:
I was just playing the part, I get along with all of them, Jean Silva’s actually a very respectful dude, good dude and the good thing is, I like it when people have character but they don’t need to make this fake beef,
he explained.
Volkanovski’s comments reflect a calm, thoughtful approach to his competition as he navigates the uncertainty of his next title defense opponent.
The absence of a definitive challenger following Evloev’s withdrawal places Volkanovski’s next title defense in question, heightening anticipation as UFC fans await official announcements. The promotion’s next moves—whether involving a rescheduled Evloev fight, a replacement challenger, or an emerging contender like Silva—will shape the featherweight landscape going forward.