Alexander Volkanovski already training for the undefeated fighter he expects next

Alexander Volkanovski is preparing for what he expects to be his next featherweight title defense: a bout against undefeated Movsar Evloev. The Australian champion, currently training in Thailand, is already putting in wrestling work to prepare for the Russian contender, who sits 10-0 in UFC competition despite winning all his bouts via decision.

Volkanovski (28-4) reclaimed the vacant featherweight title in 2024 when he defeated Diego Lopes, following his 2024 loss to Ilia Topuria. Lopes then received a controversial rematch against Volkanovski in January, which the champion won decisively. Evloev (20-0 overall, 10-0 UFC) has been the logical next challenger—he had previously beaten Lopes and holds recent wins over Lerone Murphy, Aljamain Sterling, and Arnold Allen.

"It's pretty obvious it's probably going to be Movsar," Volkanovski said on his YouTube channel, noting he is tackling his preparation methodically. "So, I get all that wrestling in nice and early. Did a bit of a grappling session afterwards as well, then did a couple of live rounds."

Volkanovski's first title reign saw him defend the belt five times before the loss to Topuria. Now in his second run, he is targeting Evloev as the next step, with the Georgian wrestler likely to require the kind of grappling preparation Volkanovski is currently undertaking.