UFC featherweight contender Alexander Volkanovski is expected to be released soon from a hospital in Santiago, Chile, after being treated for a blood infection, according to his manager, Rhys Dal Cin.
"Alex's condition is stable, he is responding well to the treatment. As a precaution, he will remain under supervision at the hospital for an additional 48 hours to ensure the infection is completely under control before traveling home," Dal Cin told ESPN on Wednesday.
According to Dal Cin, Volkanovski, 30, who defeated Jose Aldo on Saturday at UFC 237 in Brazil via unanimous decision, complained of sore feet, redness of his left foot and feeling sick as he was leaving his hotel in Rio de Janeiro on Monday to fly home to Australia. Dal Cin said that upon landing in Santiago for a layover, Volkanovski's condition worsened. He had a fever and increased swelling of the foot.
Volkanovski was immediately checked out by a doctor at the airport, who advised he go to the hospital.
"Alex is in good spirits," Dal Cin previously told ESPN. "He's resting in the hospital. He's on antibiotics and awaiting blood test results."
Saturday's victory over Aldo, Volkanovski's 17th in a row, was without a doubt the biggest of his career. It improved his professional record to 20-1 and his UFC record to 7-0.
Since the win, Volkanovski has been campaigning to fight UFC featherweight champion Max Holloway; however, the UFC has decided to book Holloway versus Frankie Edgar for UFC 240 on July 27 in Edmonton, Alberta. Dal Cin declined to comment on the UFC's decision.
