Alexander Volkanovski's Next Move

Alexander Volkanovski has his next opponent in mind and a window in sight — now it is down to the UFC to make it official.

The featherweight champion is targeting a title defence against Movsar Evloev between August and September, with UFC 331 emerging as the most likely landing spot.

"I was obviously looking for anywhere from August to September. September is being brought up a lot with everyone. There are dates that look good. Whatever works, we'll see," Volkanovski said.

The champion last fought on January 31 at UFC 325, where he defeated Diego Lopes for the second time in a performance that reinforced his standing as one of the most complete fighters in the sport. Evloev arrives as the division's number one contender on the back of a ten-fight UFC winning streak, the most recent of which ended Lerone Murphy's unbeaten record at UFC London on March 21.

Volkanovski has defended the featherweight title against some of the most capable challengers the division has produced, including two fights with Max Holloway and two with Lopes, and has found answers every time. Evloev presents a different set of problems .

Volkanovski is operating at the tail end of a career that has produced more than enough to secure his place among the featherweight greats. He signed a fresh contract after the Lopes rematch and has made clear he has no interest in a quiet wind-down.