We don’t know who’s next for Volk, but the ‘where’ is clear

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Alexander ‘The Great’ Volkanovski has continued his domination of the UFC featherweight division. It means his next assignment isn’t that simple.

Volkanovski put on an absolute masterclass against ‘The Korean Zombie’ Chan Sung Jung in the main event of UFC 273, even admitting at one point he was ‘feeling bad’ for his opponent.

Sports fans are calling for a Volkanovski homecoming, having been starved of attending live events in recent years. 

Volkanovski, from Windang on the NSW south coast, has not fought in Australia since February 2018. His past seven bouts have all been overseas.

The chance to defend his title in Australia is something Volkanovski, and Aussie UFC fans, would love to see happen.

“Let me defend my belt in Australia,” Volkanovski said at the post-fight press conference.

“I think I deserve that.

“We’ve got big boxing fights. Everything’s happening in Australia. Why can’t the UFC be there?”

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The comprehensive victory against ‘The Korean Zombie’ was Volkanovski’s third straight title defence and took him to 21 consecutive wins in a row. His record in the Octagon is now 24-1.

The 33-year-old UFC star has now equalled rival Max Holloway for the second most title defences in featherweight history.

After conquering all before him, including two hard-fought wins against Holloway, Volkanovski said he was ‘on another level’ and even hinted he has another option.

“I’m in a position where I can do a couple of things, and if this division doesn’t want to sort itself out… then fine, I’ll move up and fight lightweight.”

[irp]

UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira will defend his title against Justin Gaethje at UFC 274 and Volkanovski admitted he would be a keen observer.

After two wins against Holloway, many fans want to see a trilogy fight against Volkanovski.

UFC boss Dana White recently said he is not sure who Volkanovski would fight next, making it clear another fight against the 30-year-old American is not a certainty.

But White should confirm one thing, even if the opponent isn’t yet clear. Bring it down under.

Picture of Joel Martelli
Joel Martelli
The only thing that Joel Martelli loves more than football (seriously, we wouldn't be surprised if he has a Wollongong Wolves tattoo) is writing about all things sports. With a Bachelor of Communications and Media Studies Degree specialising in Journalism, he spends his days uncovering breaking athlete news stories and diving deep into play-by-play strategies. We're glad that he's put his passion to the pages of Only Sports as one of our dedicated sports writers.

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