Return of Alexander Volkanovski ‘Logically’ Pushed to 2026, Reveals MMA Insider

Popular Spanish reporter reveals future plans for Alexander Volkanovski after a chat with the featherweight champion's head coach.

Return of Alexander Volkanovski ‘Logically’ Pushed to 2026, Reveals MMA Insider

Alexander Volkanovski's next plan (via Bleacher Report)

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Uncertainty continues to surround Alexander Volkanovski’s return to the Octagon, with recent insights suggesting a planned comeback may not occur until 2026. While previously speculated for late 2025, evolving logistical and scheduling considerations have prompted a reassessment of timelines. The featherweight champion’s next fight now appears to hinge on multiple factors.

Volkanovski secured his second featherweight title at UFC 314 in April 2025 by defeating Diego Lopes. This followed a period of mixed results, including a loss to Ilia Topuria in February 2024, which had temporarily taken him out of the championship spotlight. His career trajectory has consistently involved high-level opponents, underscoring the complexity of planning title defenses and high-profile bouts.

Commentator and reporter Alvaro Colmenero is known for his insider information, recognized for consistently breaking news on Topuria’s career, including fight announcements and scheduling updates. However, he maintains an active social media presence and typically keeps fans informed with early news. Colmenero recently took to X to provide insights on ‘Volk’s future after a discussion with his head coach.

I spoke with Alex Volkanovski’s head coach, and he told me that the “most logical” thing would be for them to be in the main event in February in Australia. The opponent would be either Murphy or Lopes. Lopes recently told me that “Volk in February in Australia sounds great.

Alvaro Colmenero via X

The comments appear to stem from Volkanovski’s head coach, Joe Lopez. He has been with the Australian native since the beginning of his career, initially training him in Greco-Roman wrestling to stay fit during the off-season when Volk was a rugby player. Volkanovski is based at the Freestyle Fighting gym in Wollongong but continues to train with the likes of Israel Adesanya and Kai Kara France in Auckland.

Leading up to his loss against Topuria at UFC 298, Volkanovski had established himself as one of the division’s most dominant fighters, successfully defending his championship and cementing his reputation in featherweight history. However, many believe that his distinctive losses to Islam Makhachev at lightweight may have hindered his dominance.

Overall, Alexander Volkanovski’s return to the UFC appears carefully managed, with 2026 emerging as the likely timeframe. Reports suggest that Australia could gear up for a numbered event in the first half of 2026, which will have Volk as the headliner. Fans wanted to see the Aussie legend return soon after taking minimal damage against Lopes. After all, everyone expects the champion to fight at least twice a year.

Meanwhile, the UFC’s scheduling of champion’s in recent times have remained chaotic. Last year, Makhachev only fought once, and from the looks of things, Volk will close out 2025 with just one appearance. Nevertheless, he is no short of challengers at the moment.

Diego Lopes and Lerone Murphy call out Alexander Volkanovski

The featherweight division remains one of the most competitive and closely watched in mixed martial arts, with Alexander Volkanovski sitting at the top of the hierarchy. His dominance has made him the benchmark for other contenders, and his future matchups continue to generate significant interest. Fighters across the division are eager to test themselves against the champion.

Diego Lopes and Lerone Murphy want to fight Alexander Volkanovski
Diego Lopes and Lerone Murphy want to fight Alexander Volkanovski (via MMA Fighting)

Diego Lopes, who recently suffered a loss to Volkanovski, has expressed interest in a rematch following his impressive victory over Jean Silva at UFC Noche. Lopes’ performance showcased his striking evolution and resilience, signaling that he is prepared to challenge Alexander Volkanovski again.

I want the rematch with Volk. Lose or win, people love watching me. Now in the division, the most decided fighter for Volk is me. I did a great job, great knockout, UFC like my style too. I think right now I have a lot of possibility for the fight.

Diego Lopes via The Ariel Helwani Show

Lerone Murphy, meanwhile, has emerged as another prominent contender calling out Volkanovski, after a highlight-reel knockout of Aaron Pico. He has been vocal about a title shot and even laid out an entire plan for the featherweight division, with a fight between him and Volkanovski as his top priority. Murphy has called out the featherweight kingpin on multiple instances on X.

As the featherweight division continues to evolve, both Diego Lopes and Lerone Murphy have made their intentions clear in pursuing a fight with Alexander Volkanovski. Their recent performances have elevated them as top contenders, setting the stage for potential matchups. The championship landscape remains wide open, and fans can expect the division to stay highly competitive in the coming months.

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