After scoring a career best win opposite Jose Aldo at UFC 237, Alexander Volkanovski didn’t have much time to celebrate.
Instead, he was hospitalized days later, falling victim to an unforeseen blood infection that “developed quickly” on his way home from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Volkanovski (20-1) was then swiftly hospitalized in Santiago, Chile and remains there but thankfully, he’s since been confirmed as being in a “stable” condition.
‘The Great’s manager, Rhys Dal Cin provided an update on social media:
@alexvolkanovski condition is stable, he is responding well to the treatment.
— Rhys Dal Cin (@rhysdalcin) May 16, 2019
As a precaution, he will remain under supervision at the hospital and will be re-assessed in 48hrs to ensure the infection is completely under control before given any clearance to travel home. pic.twitter.com/CZTJqkpQJ2
While Volkanovski awaits re-assessment in hospital, the UFC Featherweight Champion Max Holloway has been booked against a new or in some cases, old contender. Former Lightweight titleholder After having his chance halted by injuries twice before, Frankie Edgar will finally face Holloway at UFC 240 but 'The Answer' says that Volkanovski will "get his time" regardless. For now though, Volkanovski's focus is rightly dedicated to his health and once that's achieved, his sights will almost certainly be set on the gold once again.
Currently ranked #1 in the division's UFC standings, Volkanovski is riding an impressive 17 fight win-streak, including seven victories inside the vaunted octagon. Nonetheless, he'll have to wait for Holloway vs. Edgar regardless of how quickly he recovers from this unexpected blood infection.
