Alexander Volkanovski told MMA Junkie on Tuesday that he expects his next featherweight title defense against Movsar Evloev to be locked in for September 2026, likely at UFC 331, after the UFC Freedom 250 card wraps up.

Why the delay?

The champion explained that the promotion’s calendar is packed with multiple title fights, including Conor McGregor’s bout at UFC 329. Because of that, the UFC needs to clear the Freedom 250 event before committing resources to a new featherweight showdown. Volkanovski said the schedule “has to keep a lot of champions happy,” which pushes his own fight out to the late summer window.

What does September mean for the champion?

Volkanovski turns 38 on September 29, 2026. He admitted that a fight before his birthday would be ideal, but he’s also intrigued by the prospect of defending the belt at 38. “It would be pretty cool to fight at 38,” he said, adding that age won’t change his hunger for another defense.

Who is the likely opponent?

The Russian contender Movsar Evloev (20‑0 MMA, 10‑0 UFC) recently beat Lerone Murphy by majority decision in March, cementing his No. 1 contender status. Volkanovski called Evloev “the most deserving No. 1 contender” and said he wants to face the fighter who has earned the spot. The champion believes the UFC shares that view, making an Evloev matchup the logical next step.

How does this fit into Volkanovski’s reign?

This would be Volkanovski’s second defense in his current reign as the 145‑pound king. He previously rematched Diego Lopes at UFC 325, while Evloev and Murphy were paired against each other. A September fight would give the champion time to recover from the Freedom 250 weekend, where he’ll support teammate Mauricio Ruffy in his lightweight clash with Michael Chandler.

What’s next on the calendar?

If the UFC confirms a September date, the fight will likely land on UFC 331, the next major pay‑per‑view after UFC 329. Volkanovski said he’s watching the schedule closely and will “see what works.” Fans can expect an official announcement in the weeks following Freedom 250, as the promotion finalises its fall lineup.

The champion’s patience reflects a broader UFC strategy: keep multiple divisions active while giving each title holder a clear path forward. For Volkanovski, the wait means another chance to prove he can dominate the featherweight class well into his late thirties.