Alexander Volkanovski looked unstoppable at UFC 333, dominating Movsar Evloev in Abu Dhabi en route to a second round TKO win (highlights here). Evloev bullied the rest of the division with his wrestling, yet “The Great” shrugged off his takedowns with ease. It was such a good performance that it really raises the question: what’s left for Volk to do at featherweight?
In a new interview with Submission Radio, Volkanovski’s coach Joe Lopez discussed the lineup of potential 145 pound contenders. While other champions are making big demands and being difficult, Lopez sounded confident that Alexander would keep taking on contenders at 145 if no super fights at lightweight were to be had.
“Alex said if he didn’t take any damage or anything he’d be back in there again,” Lopez said. “And, I mean, I think he got one little scratch on his eye.”
As for who might be next, Lopez discussed two options: Aljamain Sterling, should Aljo get past Kevin Vallejos at UFC Qatar, and Jean Silva. It was clear who Lopez preferred.
“I’d like that Aljo fight,” he said. “I’m pretty good friends with Aljo, and I’ve discussed it with him, and we’re we’re down for it … I just hope Aljo puts on a show, and then they they give him a crack at the title because Aljo deserves it. He’s been in there. He is a former champion.”
“That would be great for Volk too, you know, taking out a legend like Aljo. It’s a nice name to have on your on your resume.”
“Jean Silva makes a lot of noise and he’s a great fighter, but I don’t think he’s earned the spot,” Lopez said. “There’s a lot of guys in front of him that have done a lot better, like Aljo himself is up on the rankings and is a more formidable contender than Jean Silva.”
“Look, he’s a powerful dude and that’s all he’s got. If he catches you with one of his punches, he obviously can knock you out. But watching what Diego [Lopes] did to him on the ground and just mauled him, if Alex got him to the ground, it’ll be over. There’s no questions asked.”
UFC CEO Dana White has suggested there’s nothing that Volkanovski could ask for that they wouldn’t seriously consider giving him. That sounds like an opening for a third shot at the UFC lightweight title which Volkanovski would clearly love to get. Are they being serious with that offer, or is Volk just another chess piece in play to ease negotiations amongst all the lightweight contenders? We’ll have to wait and see.
