Alexander Volkov has added his name to the growing list of contenders frustrated with the UFC’s handling of the heavyweight division — especially the ongoing wait around Jon Jones.
Currently ranked No. 3, Volkov voiced his concerns in a recent interview with ChampionAT, taking aim at the stalled unification bout between Jones and interim champ Tom Aspinall. The matchup has been widely expected for months, but still has no date on the calendar.
"As a fighter, of course, I have a negative opinion about the delay of the Jones–Aspinall fight," Volkov said. "My chances at the championship are fading, and time is ticking."
He also took issue with the way other weight classes keep moving forward while heavyweight remains in limbo. "Other divisions are constantly active. If not for Jon Jones, I would’ve already tested myself in a title fight."
Jones hasn’t fought since claiming the title against Ciryl Gane at UFC 285. A planned defense against Stipe Miocic was scrapped due to injury, and since then, things have gone quiet — while Aspinall captured interim gold and stayed busy.
Volkov didn’t completely blame Jones for the situation. In fact, he admitted he’d probably make the same choices in Jones’ position. But he made it clear the UFC deserves criticism too.
"If I were in his shoes, I’d likely do the same," Volkov said. "But this is more about the UFC enabling that behavior. Because of it, everyone else is left waiting."
Volkov is coming off a razor-close split decision loss to Ciryl Gane at UFC 310 — a setback that snapped his four-fight win streak. Still very much in the title mix, he’s now waiting for clarity on what comes next — and how long he’ll have to wait to get it.
