Alex Volkanovski: Date, location and opponent for next fight after UFC 290 victory over Yair Rodriguez

UFC featherweight champion Alex Volkanovski added to his already illustrious career with a convincing victory over Yair Rodriguez at UFC 290 in Las Vegas.

The 34-year-old defeated the dangerous Mexican in the third round via TKO, marking his fifth defense of the 145-pound belt.

But what is the future of Alexander the Great?

Will Alex Volkanovski compete in UFC 293 in Sydney?

The UFC has previously announced that they will return to Sydney on September 10 for a pay-per-view event.

Israel Adesanya had been scheduled to headline UFC 293; however, his good friend Volkanovski will not be competing.

Volkanovski said after his victory at UFC 290 that he needed a surgical cleanout on his elbow, and the event coincides with his wife’s due date for childbirth.

“It definitely rules out Sydney,” stated Volkanovski on The MMA Hour.

“That was never really- my wife, she’s due two days before the event, on the eighth.”

Where will Alex Volkanovski’s next fight be?

Volkanovski is still eager to go back in the cage as soon as possible, despite the fact that Sydney in September has been ruled out.

UFC 294 has been scheduled for October 23 in Abu Dhabi, which the New South Welshman believes is a more realistic date.

Volkanovski is desperate for a rematch and another shot at the lightweight championship after coming so close to defeating Islam Makhachev at UFC 284 in Perth.

Volkanovski was unequivocal when asked if a fight in Abu Dhabi was on the cards.

“I don’t believe so. “I’m very hopeful, and don’t rule me out,” he told Ariel Helwani.

“I’m hoping and planning that this is just a little clean up [on his elbow], that I just need to get a few things out of there and that it won’t be anything more than that.”

“If that lightweight title fight is on the line, we make it happen.”

Who will be Alex Volkanovski’s next opponent?

Following his victory over Rodriguez, UFC president Dana White stated that he will let Volkanovski guide the ship in terms of his next step.

As things stand, there look to be three main contenders divided across three weight classes.

The obvious alternative is the Makhachev fight, which Volkanovski has actively advocated for.

Ilia Topuria has emerged as a likely contender in his own featherweight class, building together a 14-0 professional record and talking a fair amount of smack in an attempt to secure the fight.
Volkanovski stated that the Topuria fight was on the table.

“He’s very fortunate in the timing of everything for him,” he continued, “because he might get a title fight in the position he’s in.”

“Do I believe he has done more than enough?” No, I do not. But people want that battle, I want that fight, and everyone is excited about it.

“Obviously, that lightweight fight is something I really desire.

“Ilia is a fun fight, but Islam is the real challenge.”

Another champion against. champion battle, this time including bantamweight Aljamain Sterling, is the third alternative in the mix.

The main event at UFC 292 on August 20 is Sterling vs. Sean O’Malley, although Volkanovski mentioned it as a possible matchup if Sterling wants to move up to 145 pounds.

“I think it would be great for his career if he took out Sean O’Malley,” he remarked.

“Definitely another one.” If he accomplishes it, he has fulfilled his obligation. He’s earned it. I’ll gladly accept him into the featherweights.”