UFC fans were eagerly anticipating Alexander Volkanovski’s next title defense, hoping to see him face off against the undefeated contender, Movsar Evloev. However, it seems that the highly anticipated matchup may not happen after all. While Evloev is the logical pick based on merit and rankings, all indications point to a rematch between Volkanovski and Yair Rodriguez.
This news may come as a disappointment to some, but it is not the most surprising decision. Despite Evloev’s impressive undefeated record and rise through the rankings, it seems that UFC president Dana White has cooled on the idea of him being the next challenger for Volkanovski’s featherweight title.
White recently spoke about Evloev’s potential title shot and expressed concern about his health. He stated that Evloev had suffered a “catastrophic” injury during his last fight, which could potentially impact his ability to compete at the highest level. This injury, along with other factors, has led White to consider other options for Volkanovski’s next opponent.
One of those options is a rematch with Yair Rodriguez, who has been on the rise since his last fight against Volkanovski in 2018. Despite losing a close decision, Rodriguez has gone on to win two consecutive fights and has solidified his position as a top contender in the featherweight division.
But why is a rematch with Rodriguez the more likely option for Volkanovski’s next title defense? For one, it is a more marketable fight. The first matchup between the two was a highly entertaining and closely contested battle, which left fans wanting more. A rematch between these two skilled featherweights would undoubtedly generate a lot of buzz and interest among UFC fans.
Additionally, Rodriguez has been very vocal about wanting a rematch with Volkanovski. In a recent interview, he stated, “I want that rematch. I want that title shot. I think I deserve it.” This kind of confidence and determination from Rodriguez is hard to ignore, and it seems that it has caught the attention of UFC officials as well.
Another factor that may have played a role in the decision to book a rematch with Rodriguez is the lack of other viable contenders in the division. While there are certainly other talented featherweights in the UFC, none have the same level of name recognition or marketability as Rodriguez. This makes him the most logical and exciting option for Volkanovski’s next title defense.
Of course, this decision may not sit well with some fans who were looking forward to seeing Evloev get his shot at the title. However, as White mentioned, Evloev’s health is a significant concern, and it is crucial to prioritize the safety and well-being of the fighters.
It is also worth noting that a rematch with Rodriguez does not mean that Evloev’s title shot is completely off the table. If he can recover from his injury and continue to perform at a high level, there is no reason why he can’t earn another title shot in the future.
In the end, the decision to book a rematch between Volkanovski and Rodriguez is a smart and logical one. It is a fight that fans want to see, and it will undoubtedly be an exciting and closely contested matchup. While Evloev’s potential title shot may have to wait, it is clear that the UFC has the best interests of all fighters in mind and is always looking to make the most compelling matchups for its fans.
So, while it may not have been the most obvious way forward, a Volkanovski vs. Rodriguez rematch is the direction that the UFC seems to be heading in. And for fans of the sport, that means we are in for another thrilling and memorable featherweight title fight. Let’s sit back and enjoy the action when these two warriors step into the Octagon once again.
