Volkanovski eyes Movsar Evloev: "I want to fight again this year – maybe even twice"

Last weekend, Alexander Volkanovski regained his place at the top of the UFC featherweight division, defeating Brazilian Diego Lopes to end his winning streak. Many doubted Volk, especially given his age and recent losses to Makhachev and Topuria, but the Australian once again proved why he is one of the best champions in the organization's history.

Much has been said about his too-quick return to the octagon after a tough knockout by Islam Makhachev. Volk made a quick comeback but lost again to Ilya Topuria, and many already wrote off the Australian. After the victory over Lopes, he specifically emphasized how much it means to him to be back at the top, and judging by what he told TMZ, he may have two fights by the end of the year.

"I want to get back as soon as possible. I've always said I like to stay active, and that hasn't changed. I have a few minor injuries that I need to get checked out — bruises, contusions — and then we'll sit down and talk with the UFC," Volkanovski told TMZ.

"I want to fight again this year, but the question is, will I maybe do two more fights this year? What is there? I expected a cleaner fight against Lopes, especially since I want to be active, but it was not as I imagined. I think Movsar is a name that is often mentioned, but we will see if the UFC wants it too. I am sure that Movsar wants, but we have to see if it makes sense," he added.

Volkanovski, at the media conference after UFC 314, also mentioned the undefeated Russian fighter as the one he is "targeting" in his next fight. Let us remind you that during his professional MMA career, Evloev fought 19 fights and every time he came out of the octagon as a winner. At 36 years of age, Volk might not be staring down a fight against such a fighter; his body doesn't take the strain it used to, and he might be wise to look at how Jon Jones picks his fights.