Latest news with #Volkanovski
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Merab Dvalishvili not interested in taking 'big risk' of fighting Alexander Volkanovski
Merab Dvalishvili not interested in taking 'big risk' of fighting Alexander Volkanovski Merab Dvalishvili isn't willing to chase UFC dual-champ status as long as Alexander Volkanovski holds the featherweight title. Bantamweight champion Dvalishvili (19-4 MMA, 12-2 UFC) rematches Sean O'Malley (18-2 MMA, 10-2 UFC) in Saturday's UFC 316 (pay-per-view, ESPN, ESPN+) main event at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. Many fighters have opted to move up a division in attempt to capture a second UFC belt, most recently Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria. However, Dvalishvili admits that Volkanovski (27-5 MMA, 14-4 UFC) may not be the best stylistic matchup for him to attain that goal. "I mentioned a couple of times that I don't want to fight with Alexander Volkanovski because he's way stronger than me," Dvalishvili said to Volkanovski on FOX Sports Australia. "I don't want to take a big risk. I'm good. Even if this weight cut sucks, I'd rather kill myself to make this weight and be comfortable here. I'm good. I don't want to (fight him). Then we can cook peacefully and wish each other the best." Volkanovski featured Dvalishvili in one of his "Cooking with Volk" VLOGS this past year, and the pair plan on collaborating again. "I appreciate that, mate. The respect is mutual, anyway," Volkanovski responded to Dvalishvili. "You're a legend. I can't wait to see you, and good luck this weekend."
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Alexander Volkanovski provides update on next UFC fight: 'The rumors are pretty much true'
Alexander Volkanovski provides update on next UFC fight: 'The rumors are pretty much true' UFC champion Alexander Volkanovski expected Movsar Evloev to be his next challenger – but it appears he won't be. Prior to defeating Diego Lopes to claim the vacant featherweight title at UFC 314, Volkanovski (27-5 MMA, 14-4 UFC) said he was willing to make his first title defense against Evloev (19-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC) in September. However, the promotion opted to go a different direction. With Noche UFC originally set to take place in Guadalajara, Mexico in Sept. 13 before moving to San Antonio, Texas, rumors swirled that Yair Rodriguez (19-5 MMA, 10-4 UFC) is likely next for Volkanovski. "It's pretty clear that it wasn't going to be Movsar," Volkanovski told FOX Sports Australia. "That's who I thought it would be. Obviously, him being undefeated and on the sort of a tear that he's on, but I think they've matched him up. You've seen him tweet something about that. So, he already went out and made that public that he unfortunately can't fight for the title. "Yair's name has popped up. No dates are set right now. So, again, I think it's just a lot of moving parts all through the whole division. I think there's a lot happening right now. So, we'll see what's happening. We'll see what comes up. All I can really tell you is everyone pretty much knows the situation, and the rumors you're hearing are pretty much true, but nothing's locked in." Rodriguez in the title picture may come as a surprise to many since he is 1-2 in his past three fights. After back-to-back losses to Volkanovski for the featherweight title then Brian Ortega, "El Pantera" rebounded with a unanimous decision win over former Bellator champion Patricio Freire at UFC 314.
The Independent
23-05-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Alexander Volkanovski's UFC title reign up in the air as champion is denied preferred fight
Alexander Volkanovski 's next fight is up in the air, after the UFC champion's preferred challenger declared he is fighting a fellow contender this summer. Volkanovski reclaimed the featherweight throne in April, outpointing Diego Lopes to win the belt that Ilia Topuria vacated in February. Twelve months earlier, Topuria knocked out Volkanovski to become champion, ending the Australian's four-year reign. And Volkanovski, looking to build a strong second stint with the belt, had made clear his desire to defend the gold against Movsar Evloev first. The Russian is unbeaten at 19-0 and last fought in December, outpointing ex-bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling. Evloev was the most obvious next challenger for Volkanovski, 36, but the 31-year-old tweeted on Thursday (22 May): 'If you are a UFC fighter and believe you are the best in the world then you have fight every fight they throw at you. 'No risk no reward. See you guys in July, it's ON #AbuDhabi. '@alexvolkanovski thank you Champ for trying to fight me, I will fight in July and you fight in September, hopefully we both win and we can meet in December.' It is suspected that Evloev could face new signing Aaron Pico, 28, who has joined the UFC from Bellator, while Volkanovski's next challenger may be Yair Rodriguez through a process of elimination. While Volkanovski beat the Mexican handily in 2023, stopping him in round three, Rodriguez recorded a significant win against former Bellator champion Patricio Pitbull last time out. Admittedly, that decision victory only snapped a two-fight losing streak for Rodriguez, who was submitted by Brian Ortega after his defeat by Volk. However, the only fighters above the 32-year-old in the rankings are: Topuria, who has moved up to challenge for the lightweight strap; Lopes, who just lost to Volkanovski; and Max Holloway, who is booked to fight at lightweight in July (and who Volkanovski has beaten three times). Furthermore, with the UFC having booked its pay-per-view main events for June, July and August, the next free headline slot is September's UFC 320 in Mexico – Rodriguez's home country. But there are ongoing issues with the new Arena Guadalajara, meaning the event could yet be moved. UFC 320 has already suffered a setback, with a boxing super-fight between Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez and Terence Crawford being moved from 12 September to 13 September, the same night as the UFC show. That is despite a plan for UFC president Dana White to co-promote the boxing event with Saudi adviser Turki Alalshikh. With both fight cards playing out on the same night, it seems unlikely that White will be involved in Canelo vs Crawford. It is unclear what that means for his new working relationship with Alalshikh under TKO Boxing.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Alexander Volkanovski and Movsar Evloev Want Title Fight—UFC Not on Board Yet
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.' Movsar EvloevGetty Images 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.' Alexander Volkanovski (red gloves) reacts after defeating Diego Lopes (not pictured) during UFC 314 at Kaseya Navarro-Imagn Images 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. Dana WhiteGetty 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. Related: 'I'm Not Welcomed Back' – Ronda Rousey Sends Blunt Message to UFC World Related: UFC Rising Star Sends Sparring Offer to Charles Oliveira 'I Can Imitate Topuria Perfectly'
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Who's next for Jack Della Maddalena after beating Belal Muhammad
Alex Volkanovski: 'I'm most proud of coming back from 2 knockout losses' Alexander Volkanovski returns as two-time UFC featherweight champion after his win over Diego Lopes to break down what it meant to regain the belt, getting back on track after back-to-back knockout losses, a potential fight with Movsar Evloev, the state of his division, his relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo, wanting the Ilia rematch, Belal Muhammad vs. fellow Aussie Jack Della Maddalena, and more. 3:23 Now Playing Paused Ad Playing
