Alexander Volkanovski hints at imminent fight announcement; joins Israel Adesanya and Dan Hooker at City Kickboxing to kickstart training camp

Alexander Volkanovski has joined up with friends and teammates Israel Adesanya and Dan Hooker at their gym, City Kickboxing (CKB), in New Zealand. The former featherweight champion is gearing up to return to action following his first career defeat at 145 pounds against Ilia Topuria at UFC 298 in February 2024.

While Volkanovski does not have an official fight announcement, he is expected to face Topuria in a title rematch later this year. During the recently released vlog of his journey to New Zealand, 'The Great' hinted that he may have fight news soon.

Adesanya is currently in the middle of his training camp, as the former two-time middleweight champion prepares for his UFC Saudi Arabia clash against Nassourdine Imavov on Feb. 1.

Meanwhile, Hooker is entering the initial stages of his fight camp, with his UFC 313 clash against Justin Gaethje, set for Mar. 8, having just been announced.

Footage of Volkanovski joining up with his fellow fighters at CKB was uploaded to his YouTube channel, where he said:

"Do some training over there in Thailand and Bangtao as well, soon. But we're gonna start off at CKB. Got Joe [Lopez] there, Joe's coming. We'll go get some good training in and see everyone. Izzy's obviously fighting soon, we'll see him before he leaves and catch up." [1:00-1:20]

Check out Alexander Volkanovski's vlog below:

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Alexander Volkanovski called out by ex-Bellator champion Patricio 'Pitbull' Freire

Patricio 'Pitbull' Freire is now one of the hottest free agents in MMA following his release from the Professional Fighters' League (PFL).

The former champion took aim at the promotion for not honoring their contract with him, going on a lengthy rant online about the PFL's lack of commitment to their deal, which culminated in him being allowed to explore other options. 'Pitbull' immediately posted on X that he wanted to face Alexander Volkanovski, and has now shared his 'priority' list of fighters he would like to compete against.

The Brazilian was recently interviewed by Ariel Helwani, where he said:

"Let's do that fight [with Volkanovski]. He is the number one contender. I want the belt and he is the guy... Topuria is my top choice. Champion versus champion... Diego Lopes [would be my third choice], he's a good one."

Catch Patricio Freire's comments on Alexander Volkanovski below: