Alexander Volkov's Path to UFC Heavyweight Title Remains Blocked Despite No. 1 Ranking

Despite earning the undisputed No. 1 contender position at UFC 321, Alexander Volkov faces a crowded heavyweight division that continues to push his title shot further back. Injuries to champion Tom Aspinall, the emergence of contenders such as Jailton Almeida and Sergei Pavlovich, and Alex Pereira's move to heavyweight have all complicated Volkov's position. If Aspinall returns and fights the interim champion later this year, Volkov's opportunity would likely come no sooner than spring.