Alexander Volkanovski’s Next Title Defense: A Rematch with Yair Rodriguez?
UFC fans were eagerly anticipating Alexander Volkanovski’s next title defense, hoping to see him face off against the undefeated contender, Movsar Evloev. However, recent reports suggest that the rematch with Yair Rodriguez is more likely to happen. This may come as a surprise to many, as Evloev seemed to be the logical pick based on merit and rankings. But with all indicators pointing towards a rematch with Rodriguez, it seems to be the direction that the UFC is heading in.
The featherweight division has been buzzing with excitement ever since Volkanovski claimed the title from Max Holloway in 2019. The Australian fighter has since defended his title twice, first against Holloway in a rematch and then against Brian Ortega. With a record of 22 wins and only 1 loss, Volkanovski has established himself as one of the top fighters in the division. And with his impressive performances, fans were eagerly waiting to see who would be his next challenger.
Many believed that Evloev, with his undefeated record of 15 wins, would be the next in line for a shot at the title. The Russian fighter has been on a tear in the UFC, winning all five of his fights since joining the promotion in 2019. He has shown great skill and determination in the octagon, making him a formidable opponent for Volkanovski. However, it seems that the UFC has other plans for the featherweight champion.
According to reports, UFC president Dana White has cooled off on the idea of Evloev being the next challenger for Volkanovski. White has stated that Evloev is “catastrophically injured” and may not be ready to fight for the title anytime soon. This news has disappointed many fans who were looking forward to seeing Evloev’s undefeated streak put to the test against the champion.
So, who will be Volkanovski’s next opponent? All signs point to a rematch with Yair Rodriguez. The two fighters first met in 2018, with Volkanovski emerging as the victor via unanimous decision. However, Rodriguez has since gone on to win three consecutive fights, including a spectacular knockout against Korean Zombie in 2018. This has put him back in the title picture, and a rematch with Volkanovski seems to be the most logical next step for both fighters.
But why is the UFC leaning towards a rematch with Rodriguez instead of giving Evloev his well-deserved shot at the title? One possible reason could be the potential for a more exciting and marketable fight. While Evloev is undoubtedly a skilled fighter, he may not have the same star power as Rodriguez. The Mexican fighter has a huge fan base and is known for his flashy and entertaining fighting style. A rematch between him and Volkanovski could generate more interest and revenue for the UFC.
Another factor that may have influenced the UFC’s decision is the ongoing pandemic. With travel restrictions and other challenges, it may be easier for the promotion to book a rematch between two fighters who are already in the United States. Evloev, on the other hand, is based in Russia and may face difficulties in obtaining a visa and traveling to the US for the fight.
While some fans may be disappointed with the news of Evloev potentially missing out on a title shot, it’s important to remember that the UFC is a business. And sometimes, business decisions may not align with what fans want to see. However, this does not take away from Evloev’s impressive record and his potential to become a future champion in the division.
In the end, it’s up to the UFC to decide who will be Volkanovski’s next challenger. And while a rematch with Rodriguez may not have been the most obvious choice, it’s a fight that fans can still look forward to. Both fighters have evolved since their first meeting, and a rematch could provide an even more exciting and competitive fight.
In conclusion, while Movsar Evloev may have been the fan favorite for the next title shot, it seems that a rematch with Yair Rodriguez is more likely to happen. Whether it’s due to injuries, marketability, or logistical reasons, the UFC has its reasons for choosing this path. But one thing is for sure, whoever steps into the octagon with Volkanovski will
