UFC

Alexander Volkanovski Next Fight: Will Movsar Evloev Finally Get His Long-Awaited Title Shot?

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By
Garrett Kerman
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Garrett Kerman Sports Editor

Garrett Kerman also goes by the name of The Fight Analyst. He covers all combat sports, from MMA, to boxing, to even bare-knuckle. He is also very well-versed in all American sports when it comes to news and betting analysis. Whether you want betting advice or some breaking news, Garrett is your guy.

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Published14 Apr 2025

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alexander volkanovski ufc 314 (1)

Alexander “The Great” Volkanovski is back on top. At UFC 314, held at the Kaseya Center in Miami, the Australian fighter reclaimed the UFC featherweight championship with a unanimous decision victory over Diego Lopes. The judges scored the bout 49-46, 49-46, and 48-47 in favor of Volkanovski, marking a triumphant return after a challenging two-year stretch that saw him suffer consecutive knockout losses to Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria.

The fight was a high-stakes clash for the vacant title, left open after Topuria’s move to lightweight. Volkanovski wasted no time reminding fans why he once ruled the 145-pound division. He opened strong, utilizing precise striking and movement to control the early exchanges. A crisp left hand in the first round buckled Lopes’ knees, setting the tone for what would be a grueling contest.

However, Lopes proved to be a formidable challenger. In the second round, he landed a right hand that dropped Volkanovski, momentarily swinging momentum in his favor. But the veteran champion weathered the storm, adjusted his strategy, and leaned on his jab and footwork to regain control in the later rounds. By the final bell, it was clear that Volkanovski’s experience and resilience had carried him through.

The victory not only restored Volkanovski’s status as champion but also etched his name into history books. At 36 years old, he became the first fighter under 170 pounds to win a UFC title after turning 35 and joined José Aldo as one of only two featherweights to reclaim the belt after losing it.

“It’s good to be back,” Volkanovski said post-fight. “Adversity is a privilege, and this moment is incredible”.

Movsar Evloev Awaits: A New Challenge for “The Great”

With the belt back around his waist, Volkanovski wasted no time looking ahead. During his post-fight press conference, he expressed interest in defending his title as early as July and named undefeated Russian contender Movsar Evloev as his preferred opponent.

Evloev (19-0) has been on a tear through the featherweight division, earning victories over top names like Arnold Allen and Aljamain Sterling. Known for his relentless grappling and unyielding pace, Evloev presents a stylistic challenge unlike any Volkanovski has faced before. The Russian has also been vocal about wanting this fight, calling out Volkanovski on social media immediately after UFC 314.

“Congratulations on an excellent performance, you’re a true champion! Now let’s see what your word is worth!”

The timing seems ideal for both fighters. While Yair Rodríguez, who also impressed at UFC 314, has made his case for another title shot, Evloev stands out as one of the few top contenders Volkanovski hasn’t faced yet. The matchup would not only test Volkanovski’s ability to handle an elite grappler but could also solidify his legacy as one of the greatest featherweights of all time.

As Volkanovski begins his second reign atop the division, it’s clear that he’s not content with merely holding onto the belt. Whether it’s Evloev or another top contender, “The Great” seems determined to stay active and continue proving why he remains one of MMA’s most enduring champions.