There has been a lack of clarity around who is next for UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski. "The Great" beat Max Holloway via Unanimous Decision for the title at UFC 245 on December 14, 2019. And then Volakanovski successfully defended it via Split Decision in the immediate rematch at UFC 251 on July 12, 2020. Since then, there has not been a clear #1 contender in the top 5:
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Max Holloway
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Brian Ortega
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Zabit Magomedsharipov
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Chan Sung Jung
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Yair Rodriguez
An immediate trilogy fight with #1 Holloway does not make sense, as Volkanovski won the first two, albeit not emphatically. #2 Brian Ortega fights #4 Chan Sung Jung in the main event of UFC on ESPN+ 38 on Saturday night. #3 Zabit Magomedsharipov was scheduled to face #5 Yair Rodríguez in the main event of UFC on ESPN+ 33 on August 29, 2020, but “El Pantera” withdrew out with an ankle injury; the two now fight at UFC 254 on October 24, 2020.
During a recent interview with Brett Okamoto, UFC president Dana White provided clarity to the situation. The winner of Saturday’s main event is the next title challenger for Volkanovski.
“It’s absolutely the No. 1 contender fight,” said White. “First of all, it’s the fight that should’ve happened a long time ago. We’re finally here, with all the crazy stuff that’s happened and all the crazy things that always happen in this business. For us to finally be here, the Zombie vs. Ortega, absolutely the winner of this fight should get the next title shot.”
What do you think UG? Is the winner of TKZ vs. Ortega the rightful #1 contender. And is it the fight that you most want to see? If not, why not?
https://youtu.be/pexGfyF6nY0?t=621
h/t Danny Segura for