Alexander Volkanovski Eyes Wrestling Focus

Alexander Volkanovski is directing his early work toward wrestling as he waits for clarity on his next UFC featherweight title defense. The champion said a fight has not been locked in, but he described Movsar Evloev as the obvious likely opponent and explained why he is getting that part of his preparation underway now. Volkanovski’s comments offer a clear look at how he is treating an as-yet-unannounced championship matchup: not as a completed piece of business, but as a possibility important enough to shape his training.

The Australian made the comments in a recent video uploaded to his YouTube channel. Volkanovski did not present the contest as official, and there remains no word from the UFC on a date or calendar placement for his next defense. That distinction matters. His focus on wrestling is preparation for a matchup he expects rather than confirmation that the matchup has been formally announced. Still, the choice of emphasis is specific. Volkanovski is not speaking broadly about camp; he is identifying the area he wants to address early because Evloev is widely expected to be the next challenger.

Volkanovski starts with the likely challenge

Volkanovski said, “It’s not locked in, but you know, it’s pretty obvious it’s probably gonna be Movsar. So, get all that wrestling in nice and early.” The wording leaves room for the UFC to make its eventual decision, while also showing that Volkanovski is planning with Evloev in mind. It is a practical message from the champion: with the expected matchup still not officially scheduled, he is already making wrestling a training priority. The reported title picture gives that preparation context. Volkanovski is in his second reign at 145 pounds after consecutive victories over Diego Lopes. The source describes those as two impressive five-round performances following the point when Ilia Topuria unseated him. Volkanovski has since returned to the featherweight throne and has called for the chance to take Evloev’s unbeaten record away. His latest remarks show that his interest in that matchup is now being matched by an identifiable training priority.

Evloev’s case, as presented in the report, has become difficult to overlook. Fans had long criticized the UFC for not giving him a championship opportunity during his undefeated run, with his lack of finishes seemingly working against him. In March at UFC London, Evloev beat Lerone Murphy and extended his record to 20-0. The report says Evloev then suggested that a Volkanovski fight had been signed a couple of months earlier, though there has still been no UFC confirmation. For Volkanovski, the immediate takeaway is not a promised date or a declared opponent. It is the structure of the work he can control. Wrestling is being addressed early, before the next defense has been officially added to the calendar. That approach also reflects the challenge described by Evloev’s results: no fighter has yet solved the puzzle he presents in the Octagon. The expected bout remains unconfirmed, but Volkanovski has made clear which skill area he believes deserves attention first.

The context behind Volkanovski’s preparation

Evloev enters the discussion with more than one recent result behind him. Before defeating Murphy, he recorded wins over Diego Lopes, Dan Ige, Arnold Allen and Aljamain Sterling, according to the source. Those victories helped establish his place in the featherweight title picture, while the 20-0 mark adds to the significance of Volkanovski’s stated interest in facing him. The available information does not establish when Volkanovski will defend, where the defense could take place, or whether Evloev will be the opponent. It does establish Volkanovski’s current expectation and the response he has chosen. By concentrating on wrestling now, Volkanovski is preparing for the most likely scenario without claiming the fight is finalized. That is the important separation in his update: the opponent is anticipated, the UFC booking is not yet official, and the champion’s training has already begun to reflect that reality.

• Volkanovski’s stated early training focus is wrestling because he expects Movsar Evloev may be next.
• Volkanovski said the fight is not locked in, so his preparation should not be read as an official UFC bout announcement.

Alexander Volkanovski has not announced a signed fight or a defense date. What he has done is reveal the first clear training cue attached to the expected matchup with Evloev: wrestle early and prepare for the possibility before the calendar is set. With Volkanovski back in his second featherweight reign and Evloev carrying an undefeated run into the title conversation, the champion’s comments provide a grounded update on the direction of his next camp without overstating what has been confirmed.

Sources: Bloody Elbow