Volkanovski targets August-September return with Evloev as preferred title challenger

Alexander Volkanovski is eyeing an August or September slot for his next UFC featherweight title defense, with undefeated No. 1 contender Movsar Evloev the most likely challenger — though the champion says no fight has been formally locked in yet.

Volkanovski, who defended his second featherweight reign by defeating Diego Lopes via unanimous decision at UFC 325 in February, told MMA Junkie he is eager to stay active after fighting just once in both 2024 and 2025. The Australian said he understands the UFC’s packed schedule is a factor in the delay.

“Obviously, I want something announced,” Volkanovski said. “Not even announced, I want something definitely locked in as well, but you’ve got to understand that they’ve got a schedule that they need to keep with a lot of other champions, a lot of people fighting, a lot of big events.”

He pointed to the promotion’s near-term commitments — including the lightweight title unification bout between Ilia Topuria and interim champion Justin Gaethje at UFC White House this Sunday, and UFC 329 on July 11 headlined by Max Holloway facing Conor McGregor — as reasons why his own booking has not yet been finalised.

“I was obviously looking for anywhere from August, September, but we’ll see,” Volkanovski added. “I know September’s been brung up a lot with everyone, there were dates that looked good, but whatever works, we’ll see.”

UFC 330 in Philadelphia on August 15 is currently without a main event, making it a plausible landing spot, though the rest of the promotion’s 2026 calendar remains unannounced.

On the question of his opponent, Volkanovski was direct in his preference for Evloev, who holds a perfect 10-0 record inside the UFC. Despite being slowed by injuries, the Russian contender has beaten Lerone Murphy, Aljamain Sterling, Arnold Allen, and Lopes — the same man Volkanovski defeated in February — on his way to the top of the divisional rankings.

“Movsar’s obviously the most deserving No. 1 contender — he’s been the No. 1 contender for a while,” Volkanovski said. “Everyone knows me as champion: I want to fight the No. 1 guys, the guys that deserve it, and that’s obviously Movsar. So that’s something I’m pushing for. I’m pretty sure that’s what the UFC wants anyway, so that’s probably exactly what’s going to happen.”

Volkanovski acknowledged that the unpredictable nature of the sport could still produce a curveball, but said he expects the Evloev matchup to come together as planned.