Alexander Volkanovski has revealed exactly when he wants to return to the Octagon – and who he thinks will be standing across from him when he does.
Speaking with Fox Sports Australia, the featherweight champion also revealed the one celebrity he’d love to have a conversation with at the upcoming UFC White House event.
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Undefeated Russian Movsar Evloev recently sparked speculation about a title shot against Volk after posting an ambiguous tweet suggesting he will be back in action soon.
And when asked about Evloev’s comments, the Windang Warrior said he expects the unbeaten contender to be next in line – and is targeting a September return.
“I can tell you we are looking around September,” Volkanovski said at a Sportsbet promotional press conference on Thursday.
“We’ve got nothing locked in, nothing confirmed, and I’m not just saying that.
“I think it is going to be Movsar, but we haven’t got anything locked in, so you know it is the UFC – and anything can change at any minute.
“But obviously that’s the most likely, that’s what we think can happen.
“And it seems as though that’s what Movsar thinks is happening, but I guess we won’t know until we’re signing that dotted line.
“The UFC works in mysterious ways, they really do. You never know.
“But that’s obviously what should happen. Movsar does deserve it.
“That’s what I want, and you see that’s what he wants. And from what I know, it’s what the UFC wants.
“I can’t see them actually changing the plans on that.”
Next week, Volk will attend UFC Freedom 250 at the White House, where he will corner rising Brazilian lightweight Mauricio Ruffy in his bout against Michael Chandler.
The historic event is expected to attract a host of celebrities, with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Adam Sandler, Jared Leto and Jason Statham among some of the names tipped to attend.
Asked who he was most looking forward to meeting, Volk said he planned to make the most of the opportunity – particularly if it meant spending time with NFL great Tom Brady.
Like the Aussie superstar, Brady built a reputation on longevity, maintaining elite performances long after many of his rivals had retired.
“There will be a lot of famous people, a lot of cool people and a lot of interesting people there,” he said.
“I’m going to have the time [to talk to some]. I’m there to corner. I don’t think I’ve got too many media obligations, so whatever chance I get I will take.
“You have Tom Brady there and whatnot. Trying to tap into the mindset of someone like Tom Brady, that’d be pretty special.”
Volk added that he is more than happy to be attending the White House event as a cornerman and can leave his mouthguard back in Australia.
While many fighters struggle to switch off when they’re around the sport, the featherweight king admitted he feels no urge to be stepping into the cage himself.
“People ask if I get the itch to get in there and fight,” he explained.
“And the answer is not at all.
“I go in there just as me, and just as a fan, not as a fighter.
“I even sometimes think, when I look at them, that I’d hate to be doing that right now.
“So it’s sort of weird, but then obviously when I’m the one fighting, I can flick the switch.”
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But before any showdown with Evloev or trip to the White House, Volk spent Thursday celebrating a different sporting obsession.
The two-time UFC champ was appearing at Sportsbet’s Socceroos World Cup launch on Sydney’s Cockatoo Island.
A massive supporter of the world game, Volk revealed his longtime love of soccer – despite joking that the sport never quite loved him back.
“Soccer was probably the only sport that I wasn’t that good at growing up,” he joked.
“I was handy at it – but that’s not good enough.
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“But I used to watch it a lot growing up and I’m involved with it a bit now. My daughters both play, so it’s something pretty close to me.
“I’m excited about the World Cup and it’s definitely something I’ll be tuning into.
“I might even be able to catch a game when I’m over in America. Maybe the Socceroos’ second game.”