Alexander Volkanovski names Silva and Sterling as next fight options after Evloev
The 38-year-old featherweight champion, who defends his title against Movsar Evloev at UFC 333 on Saturday, has also called for a lightweight super-fight with Justin Gaethje.
Alexander Volkanovski has picked out Jean Silva and Aljamain Sterling as the featherweight contenders who stand out to him once he has dealt with Movsar Evloev, his challenger in the UFC 333 main event in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.
The Australian has been open about the fact that, at 38, he does not have much longer left in the sport, and he has called for a super-fight against Justin Gaethje for the lightweight title, saying the pair could both retire after facing each other. He has also said he would be willing to stay at 145lb to fight Silva or Sterling next.
Volkanovski told MMAJunkie: “Right now it’s obviously Movsar, after Movsar you’ve got your (Jean) Silva’s, you’ve got your Aljamain (Sterling), who are both pretty much in the exact same position.” He added: “They’re probably the ones that stand out the most right now.” Saturday's bout will be Volkanovski's 19th in the UFC. The fight with Evloev has been a few years in the making, with the Russian continuing to win at featherweight, and Volkanovski has called him the most dangerous fighter in the division. Despite his comments about his remaining time in the sport, the champion has predicted a career-best performance.
Sterling is scheduled to face Kevin Vallejos in a co-main event on 21 November. Vallejos knocked out Josh Emmett in his last fight and could enter the title picture with a win, and Volkanovski has already praised him. The champion, however, sees Sterling and Silva as nearer to a shot.
Volkanovski said: “Whether Kevin can get a title fight that quick and jump the line, I don’t know, but at the same time, I think Aljamain and Silva are probably the closest.” He warned that many fighters look good until they meet a veteran with good fight IQ, and that Vallejos faces a tough fight against Sterling.
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