Alexander Volkanovski reveals next title fight plan and niggling shoulder injury

Alexander Volkanovski has announced a goal for his next UFC title defense later this year; The featherweight champion will be on the octagon side in London for the highly anticipated title eliminator.

Weeks after defending his title against Diego Lopes in front of 18,000 passionate Australian fans at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena, Volkanovski is eyeing the winner of Movsar Evloev and Lerone Murphy, who will clash at London’s O2 Arena on March 21.

“I’m playing by ear,” Volkanovski told NewsWire.

“Right now we have Lerone Murphy and Movsar Evloev, two important players who will compete against each other in London.

“I’m going there, I’ll be ringside for this, and I think the winner of this will be whoever I face.”

Volkanovski said he expects to return to the octagon later this year due to his shoulder injury.

“Probably later in the year. I have a minor shoulder injury that I need to take care of,” he said.

The 37-year-old mixed martial artist said defending his title in Australia meant “everything” after claiming his 28th professional victory by unanimous decision earlier this month.

“It’s incredible. It’s great to be able to do anything in Australia when it comes to sport,” he said.

“This is unreal, we love doing our job here.”

Champion was at the historic Prince Alfred Hotel in Melbourne’s inner north for Tyro’s Big Buy on Saturday; where hundreds of eager punters looking to meet their UFC heroes were billed $20,000.

The Big Buyout initiative aims to inject cash into venues and businesses across Australia.

“I’m usually very disciplined, but today I’m going to sneak a few beers,” Volkanovski said.