Ivan Bannikov, manager of Alexander Volkov, the third-ranked heavyweight fighter in the UFC, announced that the Russian is ready to face Tom Aspinall, the current division champion, in a rematch.
Aspinall, who held the interim title, has officially claimed the championship after Jon Jones' retirement announcement .
Jones made the right decision. It's unfortunate that he did it at the wrong time and made so many people wait. Alexander is ready to fight Aspinall and is prepared for a title fight. We are in talks with the UFC.
It's worth noting that Volkov faced Aspinall in March 2022 at UFC Fight Night 204, where the Brit won with a submission in the first round.
Aspinall last fought in the octagon in July 2024 at UFC 304, where he knocked out Curtis Blaydes in the first round. He has a record of 15 wins and three losses.
Volkov's most recent fight was in December 2024 at UFC 310, where he lost to Ciryl Gane by a split decision. His overall mixed martial arts record stands at 38 wins and 11 losses.
