Alexander Volkov's Path to UFC Heavyweight Title Shot Remains Blocked

Alexander Volkov cemented his status as the number-one heavyweight contender at UFC 321, but a series of developments have since pushed his title shot further away. Tom Aspinall's recovery timeline, Alex Pereira's move to heavyweight, and the emergence of challengers like Ciryl Gane, Sergei Pavlovich, and Jailton Almeida have all complicated Volkov's position. If Aspinall fights for the undisputed belt in November or December, Volkov would be unlikely to get his shot before spring at the earliest.