Manager shares update on hospitalized Alex Volkanovski

Shortly after Alex Volkanovski defeated featherweight legend Jose Aldo on the main card of UFC 237 in Brazil, he packed his bags for a routine flight home to Australia. Unfortunately, things took a turn for the worst during his journey. After landing in Chile for a layover, the streaking featherweight contender was carted off to a Chilean hospital with a blood infection. 

@arielhelwani @1bbradfo @AlexJOates11 @bokamotoESPN @UFC_AUSNZ @ufc @JamesAveris @nickwalshaw pic.twitter.com/x643otjflq

— Rhys Dal Cin (@rhysdalcin) May 14, 2019

“Hey all,” his manager Rhys Dal Cin announced on Twitter. “Alex is ok. He is being treated for an infection that developed quickly while on our flight home. We are currently in Chile and will provide updates as they come to hand. The medical staff have been fantastic, he’s in good hands, and Alex is in great spirits!”

On Thursday, Dal Cin provided another update. From the sounds of it, Alex Volkanovski is on the mend.

@alexvolkanovski condition is stable, he is responding well to the treatment.

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

— Rhys Dal Cin (@rhysdalcin) May 16, 2019

“[Alex Volkanovski’s] condition is stable, he is responding well to the treatment,” the manager wrote. “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.”

Having defeated the former champion and consensus featherweight goat, Alex Volkanovski is now a fantastic 20-1 overall and 7-0 in the UFC. Other highlights of his run in the Las Vegas based promotion include stoppages of Chad Mendes and Jeremy Kennedy, and a decision defeat of the famously durable Darren Elkins.

Post-fight, he called for the next crack at the featherweight champion Max Holloway, but he will apparently not be getting that opportunity. The good news is that, with Edgar fighting Holloway in July, the Australian should be able to contend sometime in the fall when he’s all healed up.

Stay tuned for further updates on Alex Volkanovski as new details emerge.

This article first appeared on BJPENN.COM on 5/16/2019.