Alexander Volkanovski may have left UFC 314 with gold around his waist, but a new concern has emerged—and it isn’t about who he will face next. During the post-fight press conference, attentive fans noticed something unusual: the Australian featherweight champion was blinking repeatedly with one eye. What initially seemed like a minor quirk soon raised red flags online, with fans guessing at the severity of his eye injuries sustained during the fight. After all, this wasn’t just post-fight swelling; Volkanovski’s movements appeared deliberate as if one eye was struggling to function at all.

The incident occurred in the fourth round when Diego Lopes delivered a clean punch that downed Volkanovski and left him with a serious cut. Worse, he apparently lost vision in his left eye as a result of the shot. He then acknowledged to Fox Sports Australia that he was basically fighting blind for the majority of the fight. “I completely lost vision in my left eye,” he stated. “It was completely gone… a little blur helped toward the end, but for a while I had nothing.” Volkanovski’s ability to not only survive but also win proves his tenacity. But even grit has limits—and many are asking if he went beyond his own.

Concerns are heightened by Volkanovski’s apparent desire to fight again before the end of the summer. That’s a remarkable turnaround for someone who just contested half a title fight with almost no vision. While the 36-year-old successfully broke the alleged curse of aging former champions, the question remains: at what cost? His victory may have been heroic, but if the footage from the press conference is any indication, something may not be healing quite right.

The UFC has not provided an official medical update, but it is difficult to deny what is there in front of us. Alexander Volkanovski’s blinking was not random; it was consistent and noticeable. So, many are suggesting caution and requesting adequate recovery time for ‘The Great.’ After such a performance, no one doubts Volkanovski’s toughness. Moving forward, however, the true win may depend on how carefully he—and the promotion—handle what might be a long-term issue. But what exactly are his return plans?

Alexander Volkanovski eager to make a return

Many people expected Alexander Volkanovski would have to heal for a long time after what happened during the bout, particularly the disturbing blinking and his fragile medical condition. However, it is not what ‘The Great’ had in mind. Instead of backing down, he’s doubling down. Volk said in the post-fight press conference that waiting until September for another battle was “too far away.” For someone who recently hushed detractors with a gritty performance, he seemed keen to demonstrate that he’s not just back—but on a mission.

His response to questions about future opponents was equally bold. Despite consecutive KO losses to two of the sport’s most dangerous competitors, ‘The Great’ expressed interest in fighting twice before September. He even hinted at a possible return in July, showing no reservations about returning to camp. That’s not all—if all goes well, he’ll be looking forward to his next test against Movsar Evloev. Alexander Volkanovski’s mindset? Keep the momentum going. “Bang, bang, bang,” he said.

However, there’s a growing discomfort among fans. Not because they question his abilities, but because of his eagerness to return to the fire. The blinking episode is still fresh, the images have not faded, and ‘The Great’ is already planning another conflict. This is the kind of determination that established his legacy. But it now poses the uncomfortable question: at what cost? What do you think? Should Volkanovski make his return before the end of summer? Let us know in the comments.