UFC 237: is Title Shot a “no Brainer” For Alexander Volkanovski, if he Beats Jose Aldo?

Alexander Volkanovski will battle Jose Aldo at UFC 237 on Saturday, and if he beats the legend, he believes a title shot should be a given. But, will the surging featherweight get his wish if he’s victorious?

Volkanovski has been booked to fight Aldo after going 6-0 in the UFC to date. Most recently the Australian fighter took out longtime contender, Chad Mendes, at UFC 232 in December. Heading into the event, Volkanovski is carrying a record of 19-1.

Well, while discussing his plans for 2019 recently, the 30-year-old fighter made it clear he believes a title shot should be his, if he beats Aldo (quotes via MMA Junkie):

“(Aldo) is No. 1, and I’m the only one that’s undefeated in this division right now,” Volkanovski said. “I believe it’s a no-brainer. And not only beating Aldo, I’m fighting him in his hometown. If that’s not a statement, I don’t know what is.

“And after I get the job done, I guarantee everybody’s going to say I’m the guy.”

“…You beat Aldo in his home country, you’re a star,” Volkanovski said. “So that just opens a lot of doors. And I want that title fight. I do this for my family. And to be successful, you need to win big fights, and you need to be a champion.”

So, is “The Great” one on point here? Well, when you consider that Volkanovski is ranked #4 and Aldo is #1, from a meritocratic perspective, his case for a title shot will be pretty compelling if he wins Saturday. Further, as Volkanovski alluded to, he has yet to lose in the UFC.

But, it could depend on how the fight unfolds. If Volkanovski just squeaks by Aldo, or wins a controversial decision, the UFC could look at Frankie Edgar. Although Edgar is only one win removed from his loss to Ortega, he is one of the most respected and accomplished fighters in the game. So, if fans aren’t buzzing for Volkanovski to get his shot, the legendary Edgar could be next for Holloway.

Of course, first things first, and Volkanovski needs to get by Aldo; one of the greatest fighters the game has ever known, who is coming off a win over another rising 145’er in Renato “Moicano”.

UFC 237 will take place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.