Alexander Volkanovski Offers to Fill the Void After Major UFC 295 Withdrawal
Alexander Volkanovski Offers to Fill the Void After Major UFC 295 Withdrawal
Alexander Volkanovski has humorously thrown his name into the mix to replace Jon Jones, who was forced to withdraw from UFC 295 due to a pectoral muscle injury. UFC President Dana White confirmed that Jones would be sidelined for eight months, leaving fans dismayed by the abrupt change in the card.
Tom Aspinall, the British sensation, is now set to take on Sergei Pavlovich for the interim heavyweight title, a bout that has sparked anticipation among fight enthusiasts.
UFC devotees took to social media platforms to express their disappointment and disbelief over Jones’ unfortunate injury, with some labeling it the “worst news ever.” Max Holloway, a five-time UFC title winner, also chimed in, adding to the sentiment that 2023 has been a year marked by upsets and unexpected cancellations.
However, the most intriguing response came from Alexander Volkanovski, who recently suffered a TKO loss to Islam Makhachev at UFC 294. In a Twitter post directed at Dana White, Volkanovski jokingly offered himself as a replacement for Jon Jones, playfully saying, “I volunteer as tribute.” He later added, “Obviously wish @Jonny Bones all the best in recovery.”
Volkanovski’s jest prompted a surge of positive feedback from his fans, who expressed their confidence in his readiness to step in at any moment. With Jones temporarily out of the picture, the spotlight now falls on the rising British star, Tom Aspinall, as he prepares for his pivotal bout against Sergei Pavlovich.
The sudden turn of events in the UFC has fans on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting the action in the octagon.
The UFC is once again forced to adapt to a major change in its fight lineup due to injuries. However, many are arguing that the new matchup is even more captivating than the originally scheduled one.
With Jon Jones withdrawing from UFC 295 due to an injury that necessitates surgery, an interim heavyweight title will be up for grabs in the co-main event of the November 11 pay-per-view event.
Tom Aspinall and Sergei Pavlovich will collide at Madison Square Garden, marking a showdown between two of the division’s most thrilling finishers.
While Jones vs. Miocic was considered a legacy fight for both fighters, the new heavyweight title bout breathes fresh air into the division. Aspinall and Pavlovich have both been biding their time for a moment like this. When the opportunity arose, the British fighter had no second thoughts about whether the risk was worth the reward.
Aspinall hopes to replicate a feat made famous by the first English UFC champion to become the latest UFC champion out of the UK.
In a recent interview with Oscar Willis of The Mac Life, Aspinall shared his thoughts on facing Pavlovich on short notice. Originally scheduled to fight each other in September 2021, it had been apparent for a while that these two fighters would eventually cross paths.
Since their previous bout was canceled, both fighters have achieved the biggest wins of their careers, with the Russian securing six consecutive first-round finishes, placing him at the top of the division.
Despite acknowledging the risks of this fight, Aspinall eagerly anticipates the challenge, aiming to replicate what the first English UFC champion accomplished on short notice.
“I wasn’t too bothered; they’re all tough fights, aren’t they?” Aspinall remarked. “I think that Pavlovich is the most dangerous, to be honest. I think he’s the most dangerous guy in the UFC. I think, to be honest, it’s the most dangerous situation you could have. Fighting the most dangerous guy in the UFC on two weeks’ notice, but I’m willing to put it all on the line. This is my absolute dream, and I’m f*cking doing a Bisping, aren’t I!” Aspinall continued. “Bisping took it on two weeks’ notice. Bisping did it on two weeks’ notice and won against Rockhold, so why can’t I do it?”
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