Fresh off his return at UFC 314, Alexander Volkanovski, 36, reclaimed the featherweight title with a composed performance against Diego Lopes, earning a unanimous decision after five rounds. While the win solidified his place at the top once again, it also set the stage for a potential legacy fight—one that Volkanovski made clear he wants next. However, recent developments suggest that the matchup may not happen anytime soon.
Now, as speculation swirls about what’s next for the reigning champion, one thing is clear—Volkanovski has his sights set on a legacy-defining showdown. Post-fight, he expressed interest in facing undefeated featherweight contender Movsar Evloev, 31, stating: ‘He’s undefeated, and I’d love to be the one to take that 0. That’d be a great challenge.’
But despite both fighters being on board, UFC President Dana White and the promotion appear to have other plans. In a recent sit-down with ESPN MMA’s Brett Okamoto, Evloev’s manager Ali Abdelaziz shared frustration over the UFC’s stance. ‘It’s illegal for him not to be fighting next for the title because who’s above him, right?’ Abdelaziz said. ‘It’s crazy this guy is not even in the conversation… They say he need one more.’
Volkanovski, for his part, has been vocal in praising Evloev’s resume and welcomes the matchup. Meanwhile, Evloev has long called for a title opportunity, telling MMA Fighting in 2024 he was ready and willing for the division’s top names.
Both athletes are aligned. But unless Dana White and the UFC change course, the most logical—and potentially legacy-sealing—fight at featherweight may have to wait.
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