Alexander Volkov’s Management Issues Statement on Uncertain Status of UFC London Fight

Alexander Volkov’s headlining fight against Tom Aspinall at UFC Fight Night 204 could be in jeopardy due to sanctions issued by the United Kingdom government against Russian athletes.

In light of Russian forces invading Ukraine, United Kingdom home secretary Priti Patel said, “The UK will not welcome the national sports teams of those countries who are complicit in Putin’s unprovoked and illegal invasion of #Ukraine.”

I have cancelled the visas of the Belarusian Men’s Basketball Team who were due to play in Newcastle tomorrow night.

The UK will not welcome the national sports teams of those countries who are complicit in Putin’s unprovoked and illegal invasion of #Ukraine.

— Priti Patel (@pritipatel) February 26, 2022

Volkov, a native of Moscow, is slated to meet Aspinall in a featured heavyweight clash at the O2 Arena in London on March 19. As of now, Volkov’s team is taking a wait-and-see approach regarding the fighter’s status.

“The visa has been issued,” said Volkov’s manager, Ivan Bannikov. “All will depend on any new sanctions. But at this moment, this is all unimportant, as our thoughts are of the people dying in Ukraine, on both sides. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.”

Volkov last appeared at UFC 267, where he outpointed Marcin Tybura this past October. The promotion has not issued a statement regarding the contest as of this writing, but a poster featuring Volkov and Aspinall was recently unveiled.

20 days to go!!

Your official #UFCLondon poster has just dropped! pic.twitter.com/2FdtZ86Lum

— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) February 27, 2022