Who Will Alexander Volkanovski Face at Lightweight? Is Islam Makhachev Next After UFC 298 Ilia Topuria Fight?

Alexander Volkanovski is arguably one of the greatest fighters to have ever graced the UFC. ‘Volk has been the champion of the UFC’s featherweight division since 2019. With a strong record of 26 wins and 3 losses, ‘Volk’s MMA career has been one of the best. The Australian sensation has rag-dolled everyone in his division and with his next title defense against Ilia Topuria, Volkanovski might prove himself to be the GOAT of the division if he wins.

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So what would be next for the ‘Great’ if he clinches the victory against Topuria? As per reports from insiders, Volkanovski might jump divisions to start his adventures in the lightweight division. The ‘155’ lbs division has been an unknown territory for the champ and after being handed defeat twice by Islam Makhachev, Volk might consider endeavoring into the dark territory more. So who is he going to fight in the lightweight division? Let us find out.

Alexander Volkanovski’s endeavor in the lightweight divisionADVERTISEMENT

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Alexander Volkanovski has time and time again asserted that he has thoughts of moving to the lightweight division and a victory against Ilia Topuria might hold the key for the featherweight champ to jump divisions. Recently the call to jump divisions has been strong for ‘Volk’. The Australian sensation is looking to clinch the victory and jump the division but who might be facing the beast? Let us find out.

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‘Great’ has been a dominant force in the UFC.The entire featherweight division fell short to hand defeat to ‘Volk’ and in search of more challenges, Volkanovski endeavored into the lightweight division to challenge the champion Islam Makhachev at UFC 284. Despite showcasing tremendous power, Makhachev clinched the victory. Their second encounter was at UFC 295, where Makhachev knocked Volkanovski out of the park in the first round. With two losses in the lightweight division, ‘Volk’ might find himself in a peculiar situation.

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If he successfully defends his title, Dana White might give him Justin Gaethje, Dustin Poirier, or Arman Tsarukyan to test his mettle in the lightweight division. However, nothing has been made certain as of now. UFC insider and commentator, Jon Anik believes that Volkanovski’s decision to jump the division might work best for him.

Jon Anik doubles down on ‘Volk’s division jumpADVERTISEMENT

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Jon Anik believes that Volkanovski’s decision to jump the division might work for the ultimate best for him as well as for the UFC. “I think because he’s throwing those comments out into the universe even before the fight, it stands to reason that if he can beat Ilia Topuria, just given the way a lot of people talk about this title defense and how hard it’s going to be, I think this would be a nice capstone on his featherweight career,”

He further added “Think about all of the big fights that there are for Alexander Volkanovski at 155 pounds. You could do worse than throwing him in a BMF setting, right? Certainly a fight against Justin Gaethje has some appeal. So I think the horizon is very monetarily sound for Volk no matter what division he decides to compete in, but yeah, you and me can pray that he’ll fight Movsar Evloev, but I’m not sure I see it happening.”

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Volkanovski’s career might take a different turn if he competes in the lightweight division and Anik knows it for sure. The fate of the featherweight as well as the lightweight division is now in the hands of Alexander Volkanovski. What do you think would be ‘Volk’s future?