Alexander Volkanovski isn't waiting for the paperwork to be signed before hitting the gym — the UFC featherweight champion is already drilling wrestling in Thailand with Movsar Evloev firmly in his sights.
The 145-pound titleholder is fresh off back-to-back decision victories over Diego Lopes, the second of which came at UFC 325 in February, completing the second defence of his current reign. With major numbered cards still on the UFC calendar for October, November, and December, matchmakers have multiple windows to slot in a championship headliner, and Volkanovski appears to know exactly who he'll be sharing the cage with.
> "It's not locked in, but it's pretty obvious it's probably going to be Movsar," Volkanovski said in a vlog. "So get all that wrestling in nice and early."
Evloev's Unblemished Record Earns the Shot
Evloev arrives at the No. 1 contender position carrying a flawless 20-0 professional record, yet his path to a title opportunity hasn't been entirely straightforward. Critics have pointed to the absence of stoppages — he has gone the distance with all ten of his UFC opponents — and a history of injuries as factors that have clouded his case. Still, the Russian grappling specialist's résumé carries genuine weight, featuring victories over Lerone Murphy, Aljamain Sterling, and Lopes, the very man who has been handed two separate championship opportunities.
Volkanovski Playing as if It's Already Official
Despite the bout remaining unconfirmed on paper, Volkanovski has made clear he is treating preparation as though fight night is already locked in. Back training in Thailand, the champion is ramping up his camp ahead of an anticipated announcement.
> "Always good to be back here," Volkanovski said. "Good to be back in Thailand. Focus. Get stuck into it. Train hard. Get ready to ramp things up. … Still nothing confirmed, but the dates I'm thinking, I need to start getting ready so we're playing as if it's game on. We should get confirmation soon though."
With Volkanovski having publicly referenced Evloev as his likely next opponent on several occasions, and preparation already underway, the formal announcement looks to be a matter of when rather than if. Fight fans should keep an eye on those remaining 2025 numbered events for the official booking.
