Kevin Vallejos Eyes UFC Title Shot Against Alexander Volkanovski Following UFC Qatar Co-Main Event

Surging featherweight contender Kevin Vallejos has his sights set firmly on the top of the division, revealing that he is pulling for Alexander Volkanovski to successfully defend his title at UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi. Vallejos hopes to see Volkanovski emerge victorious against undefeated contender Movsar Evloev so that he can eventually challenge the long-reigning champion for the belt in 2027.

Before any championship opportunities materialize, Vallejos must first get past former UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling. The two are scheduled to meet in the co-main event of UFC Qatar on November 21, a high-stakes matchup that rewards Vallejos’s recent momentum after securing four consecutive victories within the promotion.

Discussing his preferred outcome for the upcoming championship bout, Vallejos explained that his long-term goals heavily favor a matchup with the reigning titleholder. If he manages to make a statement against Sterling, he wants the opportunity to test himself against the division’s established benchmark.

Volkanovski enters the Octagon coming off consecutive victories over Diego Lopes. Meanwhile, Evloev earned his title shot on the strength of 10 consecutive promotional victories, capped off by decision wins over Arnold Allen, Aljamain Sterling, and Lerone Murphy, bringing an unblemished 20-0 professional record into the championship bout.

While acknowledging Evloev’s formidable skills and undefeated record, Vallejos favors Volkanovski’s experience against elite competition, noting the champion’s previous bouts against larger opponents like Islam Makhachev. Vallejos pointed out that Volkanovski possesses the necessary skills to defend against takedowns or quickly return to his feet if tested on the canvas.

Vallejos holds a professional record of 18-1, with his lone defeat coming via a competitive three-round decision against Jean Silva at Dana White’s Contender Series in 2023. Silva has since compiled a 7-1 run in the UFC, most recently securing a third-round submission victory over short-notice replacement Jose Miguel Delgado.

Reflecting on the competitive landscape of the featherweight division, Vallejos believes a decisive victory over a decorated former champion like Sterling will firmly establish his credentials. Whether he secures a knockout or demonstrates superior technical skills and tactical endurance over three rounds against an experienced veteran, Vallejos maintains that a strong performance will thrust him directly into the title conversation.