Alexander Volkanovski Wins at UFC 333 - Who's Next for the Featherweight King?
Alexander Volkanovski was victorious at UFC 333 and we take a look at who he could face next.
UFC 333 saw Alexander Volkanovski pick up a second-round victory over Movsar Evloev. The Australian battled adversity in the fight to pick up his first finish victory since 2023 and retain his featherweight title.
Instantly, questions are being asked as to who Alexander Volkanovski faces next, especially after he discussed his next fight ahead of this one.
We take a look at who will be standing across from 'The Great' next time we see the living legend.
Matchmaking Alexander Volkanovski
Jean Silva
There is a good chance that Jean Silva fights for the featherweight title next, whether Alexander Volkanovski sticks around at 145lbs or not. The Brazilian is on a two-fight winning run, picking up a decision victory over Arnold Allen before submitting Jose Delgado (who stepped in at late notice) last time out.
Silva is currently sitting at #5 in the division, and when he stepped up to elite level (against Diego Lopes), he failed miserably.
The UFC like Silva and he knows how to sell a fight. He'll be hoping that if he gets the fight against Volkanovski, the champion gets old overnight, as he's levels above Silva.
Aljamain Sterling (If he wins next month)
Another potential bout is against the former bantamweight champion, Aljamain Sterling. Having moved up to 145lbs, 'Funkmaster' is ranked #4 and takes on the in-form Kevin Vallejos in Qatar next month.
If Sterling wins, he should be next in line for a title fight. The American is 3-1 since moving up in weight, only losing to last night's contender, Movsar Evloev. He holds wins over Calvin Kattar, Brian Ortega and a dominant win over the previously surging Youssef Zalal.
Sterling, like Silva, knows how to sell a fight and can present a difficult puzzle for the champion to figure out.
Justin Gaethje
This is an interesting one. Alexander Volkanovski vs Justin Gaethje at lightweight for the belt has real potential.
Prior to the UFC 333 main event, Volkanovski discussed the potential of moving up in weight to try and win the 155lbs belt. He's had two previous attempts at the strap, both of which came against Islam Makhachev, with the second coming on short notice.
It would provide a legend vs legend match-up, but one with gold on the line and there's not a single fan who wouldn't want to see this one.
