UFC Featherweight Champion Volkanovski Plans October Title Defense in Las Vegas

Alexander Volkanovski, the reigning UFC featherweight champion, is expected to return to the octagon in October rather than September due to personal reasons, including the anticipated birth of his child. Although initially linked to a title defense against Yair Rodriguez at a Mexican pay-per-view event in September, the event was relocated and downgraded to a Fight Night in San Antonio, making a September fight unlikely. Volkanovski has acknowledged ongoing talks about a potential rematch with Rodriguez, who he previously defeated in 2023, but the exact timing and opponent remain uncertain as other contenders like Movsar Evloev are engaged in their own fights. The UFC plans to clarify Volkanovski's next fight plans after he meets with UFC president Dana White and executive Hunter Campbell. Meanwhile, the dynamic within the featherweight division is complicated by recent reshuffling, including Ilia Topuria vacating the featherweight title to move up to lightweight. Volkanovski, at 36, aims to continue building his legacy with more significant fights during his second reign as champion.