Alexander Volkanovski took 14 months to relaxation and recuperate from his final loss. Don’t anticipate to attend that lengthy to see “The Nice” once more.
The now two-time featherweight champion is keen to capitalize on his UFC 314 title battle overcome Diego Lopes, which is sweet information for a division rife with compelling challengers.
There’s Yair Rodriguez, who might land a rematch with Volkanovski after spoiling longtime Bellator star Patricio Pitbull’s UFC debut on Saturday. There’s the undefeated Movsar Evloev, presently 9-0 within the octagon. After which there’s the fast-rising Jean Silva, who additionally competed at UFC 314, stealing the present with a choke-out of Bryce Mitchell.
So far as Volkanovski is anxious, they’ll all get it, and he would possibly have the ability to cross two names off the checklist within the subsequent eight months.
“I assume fighting-wise, I clearly needed to get again in there,” Volkanovski advised TMZ Sports. “I discussed about being very lively, I nonetheless need to be lively. Simply obtained to get a number of issues checked out, clearly a number of bumps and bruises, see how that goes, discuss to the UFC, and we’ll make it occur.
“I’m undoubtedly preventing once more this 12 months, however the query is, am I doing two extra?”
If Rodriguez – a local of Mexico – has his means, he’d arrange a dream battle 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 is perhaps a neater promote proper now than Evloev, whose grappling-heavy preventing type hasn’t endeared him to UFC CEO Dana White and the matchmakers, regardless of wins over Lopes, Arnold Allen, and former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling.
Volkanovski, 36, doesn’t really feel there’s a clear-cut No. 1 contender for the time being so he’s going to take his time letting his bumps and bruises heal earlier than figuring out what’s subsequent.
“That’s what it’s,” Volkanovski mentioned. “I hoped it could be much more clearer, particularly as a result of I need to be lively, I hoped it could be much more clearer, nevertheless it’s simply not. Not but. So we’ll see.
“I believe Movsar was the title I saved mentioning, I’ve simply obtained to see if the UFC even need that. Proper? Does the UFC need that, do the individuals need that? I’m positive Movsar desires that, however I’ve simply obtained to see what is smart. However once more, I’m going to be lively sufficient the place I can be certain whoever desires it, they in all probability each can get it carried out this 12 months.”
Rankings. Where does the UFC featherweight division stand with Ilia Topuria’s exit and Alexander Volkanovski, Yair Rodriguez, and Jean Silva all choosing up big wins at UFC 314?
Rip-off. Fight sports activities veteran Alan Belcher calls out the GFL for the league’s newest setback.
Ouch. Matt Brown asks if Michael Chandler might not be UFC caliber.
Deciphered. It seems Tyron Woodley’s debut rap music was a shot at none other than Dana White.
Selections. 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 household following the tragic news of his brother Patrick’s death.
MMA Combating’s Guilherme Cruz sits down throughout Caio Borralho for a real assembly of the minds.
Michael Bisping and Paul Felder evaluation UFC 314.
Extra UFC 314 discuss from Rampage Jackson and the gang.
The start.
Fighter vs. Author. MMA Combating’s Damon Martin talks to Matt Brown concerning the fallout from UFC 314, the rise of Paddy Pimblett and Jean Silva, the place Michael Chandler goes from right here, and extra.
The perfect knockouts of the week.
Hilo con los mejores KOs/TKOs de la semana. Prime 20
— Barrele la pierna (@Barrelelapierna) April 14, 2025
Name your shot.
Glorious efficiency @alexvolkanovski good to see you again on high. Although I believe I’ve the ability set to trigger you critical issues, it will likely be one hell of a battle. Let’s do it in July champ
— LERONE MURPHY (@LeroneMurphy) April 15, 2025
Nonetheless loads of aura.
I can hear this tweet (and sure, it’s the Volkanovski version).
Chuckle.
Lookin’ good.
An excessive amount of?
Former champs unite.
This may finish nicely.
Marlon Vera (23-10-1) vs. Mario Bautista (15-2); UFC 316, June 7
Johnny Walker (21-9, 1 NC) vs. Azamat Murzakanov (14-0); UFC 316, June 7
I used to be undoubtedly one of many doubters, however man, it feels good to see Alexander Volkanovski with a championship belt round his waist once more. For higher or for worse, MMA is one discipline the place athletes are allowed to hold on longer than they need to; in Volkanovski’s case, his persistence paid off. Irrespective of how lengthy he holds onto the belt this time, or chooses to stay round, it was all price it.
Ballot
What number of title defenses will Alexander Volkanovski have in his second reign?
In case you discover one thing you’d wish to see within the Morning Report, hit up @AlexanderKlee or @JedKMeshew on Twitter and tell us about it. Additionally, observe MMAFighting on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and like us on Facebook.
