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Max Holloway put together yet another sensational UFC performance in his unanimous decision victory of Yair Rodríguez on Saturday. Alexander Volkanovski seems like the obvious next fight for Holloway, however, there have been some hints this may not be the case.
While a third fight for the title with Volkanovski was mentioned, Holloway also discussed a possible rematch against Conor McGregor and moving up to 155 lbs. If the McGregor fight is indeed a possibility, you can't imagine he'd turn that down.
Another layer to this discussion is that Volkanovski last fought in September and stated afterwards that he would like to return to competition quickly. After a grueling five-round war, Holloway may not recover in time to fight Volkanovski.
There's also the fact that Volkanovski holds two victories over Holloway. He would likely be much keener on facing a fresh opponent sooner than having to wait around for a third fight with his very talented rival.
Certainly, if Holloway does end up exploring his options instead of getting turned around quickly to fight the champion, the UFC will have to find a new opponent for Alexander Volkanovski.
Here are five match-ups that could make sense if we do not get Volkanovski vs. Holloway III next:
#5. Alexander Volkanovski vs. Yair Rodriguez
Yair Rodriguez would likely be the clear-cut number one contender for Alexander Volkanovski's UFC title had he beaten Max Holloway. While that is no longer the case, his strong performance should ensure he doesn't fall too far from the title picture.
Rodriguez showed himself to be very close to the level of Holloway, who appears to be the second best featherweight in the division. While the UFC is very unlikely to give him a title shot off a loss, if there are complications 'El Pantera' could get the call.
Rodriguez is an established, popular star who the UFC would be confident of slotting into a big slot like this. If they do end up searching around for an injury replacement for this fight, Rodriguez could be towards the top of the list.
#4. Alexander Volkanovski vs. Jose Aldo II
While Jose Aldo is currently a contender in the UFC's bantamweight division, he remains the featherweight GOAT in many people's eyes. If Aldo were to set his sights on featherweight gold once again, he would have a strong case.
The two have fought previously when Volkanovski scored a decision victory in a three-round fight on his way to the belt.
The loss was the first of three straight for Aldo but he has since rebounded impressively.
If Aldo wins his scheduled bout with Rob Font on December 4th, he would be riding a three-fight win streak. Should he come through that fight without taking too much damage and call out Volkanovski, he could earn a spot in the title fight.
Volkanovski will likely be a heavy favorite in that rematch. However there may be some intrigue in seeing how this fight will play out over a potential five rounds.
Aldo also remains a big name that can sell pay-per-views, so if he were to be impressive in December and have interest in this move, it's not out of the question.
#3. Alexander Volkanovski vs. Brian Ortega II
Brian Ortega came agonizingly close to defeating Alexander Volkanovski when the pair fought at UFC 266. The fight was an instant classic, and one can only assume that fans would be very keen to witness a rematch.
Ortega is still the No.2-ranked featherweight in the world and should Max Holloway not want to fight for the belt next, Ortega makes sense as a candidate. With that being said, the UFC will likely look elsewhere first given he is coming off a loss.
Ortega likely only has a shot at being next up should the UFC be seeking an opponent on short notice, or as an injury replacement. If that does indeed happen, Ortega may get the nod.
#2. Alexander Volkanovski vs. Giga Chikadze
If Max Holloway were to relinquish his grip on the number one contendership, Giga Chikadze could be the man to take up the challenge for the UFC featherweight championship.
He has soared up the UFC rankings recently and could take a further step in January when he faces Calvin Kattar.
Chikadze is riding a nine-fight winning streak and has knocked out his last three opponents, including impressive finishes of Cub Swanson and Edson Barboza. Should Kattar be added to this list, Chikadze could make a case for a title shot.
While Chikadze is currently a little lower in the rankings at No.8, four of the division's top five are coming off losses. An impressive win over Kattar could therefore be enough to set up a title bout between Chikadze and Volkanovski.
#1. Alexander Volkanovski vs. Henry Cejudo
While the UFC understandably may not be too keen on the idea of pitting Alexander Volkanovski against the "retired" Henry Cejudo, it really does seem like a fight to make.
Volkanovski has been wanting an opponent for some time and there simply is no other contender in the division who has the necessary credentials and is currently available to fight.
Cejudo is available and has a resume that arguably warrants a title shot. He is a former flyweight and bantamweight champion who never lost either belt. Seeing him step up to yet another weight division doesn't seem too much of a stretch.
Volkanovski vs. Cejudo is a big time main event that can be booked right away. The only snagging point is whether the UFC will forgive Cejudo for his abrupt "retirement" enough to bring him back to such a big spot.
