Should Alexander Volkanovski return at UFC 305 in Perth? Analyzing feasibility after latest callout by veteran featherweight

Despite being a dominant force in the featherweight division and successfully defending his title five times, former UFC champion Alexander Volkanovski is currently experiencing a losing streak, a new challenge for him in his professional MMA career.

Despite experiencing consecutive defeats and knockouts, ‘The Great’ appears to be at a crossroads in his career.

Despite losing a fight in the welterweight (170-pound) division early in his MMA career, Volkanovski went on to have an incredible undefeated streak and eventually signed with the UFC. The former rugby player dominated in the featherweight division and eventually became the UFC featherweight champion. He held onto the title from Dec. 2019 to Feb. 2024, an impressive reign that spanned several years.

Despite this, Volkanovski’s record stands at 1-3 in his last four octagon fights. In his most recent bout, he suffered his first loss in the UFC when he fell to UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev in a close and controversial unanimous decision in their highly anticipated super-fight in February 2023.

After successfully defending his featherweight belt against Yair Rodriguez with a third-round TKO in July 2023, Volkanovski, who was the UFC champion at the time, made a decision that ultimately proved to be a mistake for him. This decision was made in the aftermath of the Rodriguez fight.

Alexander Volkanovski’s Road to Redemption: Reflecting on his Recent KO Losses and Potential Matchup with a UFC Featherweight Veteran

After successfully defending his title in July 2023, there was speculation that Alexander Volkanovski could potentially face the winner of the Islam Makhachev-Charles Oliveira rematch, as both fighters were scheduled to fight for the lightweight belt at UFC 294 in Oct. 2023. Unfortunately, a rematch between Makhachev and Oliveira was not possible due to an injury sustained by ‘Do Bronx’.

In the lead up to UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi, it was announced that Volkanovski would replace an injured fighter and take on Makhachev in a highly anticipated rematch for the lightweight championship. However, the decision proved to be ill-fated for ‘The Great’ as Makhachev emerged victorious with a first-round knockout. This result caused a stir in the world of MMA.

Despite numerous warnings, Alexander Volkanovski decided to defend his UFC featherweight championship against Ilia Topuria, an undefeated fighter from Georgia and Spain, at UFC 298 in February 2024. Unfortunately, the match resulted in a second-round knockout win for ‘El Matador’, bringing an end to Volkanovski’s reign as the featherweight champion.

In the weeks that followed, there has been no official announcement from either the UFC or Volkanovski regarding his next opponent and return date. However, Dan Ige, a consistent fighter in the UFC featherweight division from America, has recently offered a suggestion for the former champion.

‘Dynamite’ has challenged Alexander Volkanovski to face off at UFC 305 (also known as UFC Perth), set to take place in ‘The Great’s’ home country. The highly anticipated event is scheduled for August 18, 2024, at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia. Dan Ige tweeted, stating:

“Hey @alexvolkanovski if you need a tune-up fight for Perth, I’d be happy to take the challenge.”

Alexander Volkanovski discusses potential UFC return and future opponents

Last month (Feb. 2024), Alexander Volkanovski made a notable suggestion in a video on his official YouTube channel, expressing his desire for an immediate shot at the UFC featherweight title upon his return. However, there is a general consensus that the UFC may consider other options for the current champion, Ilia Topuria.

Despite speculation, it is possible that Topuria may defend his title against Brian Ortega or face UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley in a super-fight. However, in a recent video, Volkanovski expressed his confidence in fighting for the title again, potentially later this year, regardless of whether or not ‘El Matador’ is still the featherweight champion.

Furthermore, Volkanovski stressed the significance of his consecutive knockout losses to Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria, acknowledging the likely toll they have taken on his body. He expressed the utmost seriousness in addressing these issues, affirming that he will not hastily return to competition as a 35-year-old fighter.

“Right now, a break is obviously good for the head. So, it makes sense. And I know I ain’t fighting till the rematch, which isn’t going to be till later this year anyway. So, it’s perfect. So, right now, it just feels like there’s just no pressure on me at all to get back in the gym, rush anything.”

Take a look at the remarks made by Alexander Volkanovski at the 5:10 mark below:

Currently, Alexander Volkanovski holds the top spot in the official UFC featherweight rankings, while Dan Ige holds the 12th position. The 32-year-old fighter, known as ‘Dynamite’, has a record of 3-1 in his last four matches and recently secured a first-round knockout win over Andre Fili in February 2024.

Despite the various factors involved, such as the difference in their current rankings, it seems unlikely that a matchup between Volkanovski and Ige will happen in the near future. However, surprising matchups are not uncommon in the world of combat sports. Additionally, it is uncertain if Volkanovski will even participate in UFC 305 in his home country.

In summary, returning to UFC 305 may prove to be a rash decision for Volkanovski, one that he is not likely to repeat, especially considering the circumstances and results of his previous two fights in the octagon.

Until an official announcement is made about his return, the exact date and opponent for ‘The Great’s’ comeback remain unknown.