Alexander Volkov's Path to UFC Heavyweight Title Remains Complicated Despite Top Contender Status

Alexander Volkov secured the undisputed No. 1 contender position at UFC 321, but a series of developments have complicated his route to a title shot. Ciryl Gane's hand injury to the champion, Alex Pereira's move to heavyweight, and the emergence of contenders like Jailton Almeida and Sergei Pavlovich have all pushed Volkov down the queue. Even with a win over Rodrigo Nascimento (Acosta), Volkov appears unlikely to get a title fight before spring at the earliest.