Sure, there are dozens, if not hundreds fighters in each division, but the top fighter (or champs) will not be matched up with anybody ranked below the top 10 or the top 15. If they did, the purpose of rankings would be moot.
I'm sure UFC had figured out methods to determine what match ups will yield them the most money, which should go in line with what the fans prefer to see. And of course superstars like McGregor will be picky in choosing/accepting their opponents, but that's a different story.
But looking at Volk, I perfectly understand why he decided to jump up (even only temporarily). He already beat the top contenders (some of them multiple times) so it's either this or fighting lower-ranked guys that haven't yet proved they deserve the title shot. I don't think anyone outside the top 6 should be fighting for the belt, as, sport-wise, that's simply unfair. Luckily in that division we have Topuria who moved up to the top 5 contender and will be fighting Volk next, he's undefeated and looked really good in his last few fights.
For me, I am OK with the ranking system but for sure used that in determining who's going to fight next let's say they can fight a 2-rank higher fighter I think that is OK enough but as long as the Ranking was used I am pretty much solid with that actually Ranking should have serve as a purposed and to determine who is next in line for that certain fighter, then the ranking should be like that,
Volkanovski for sure has gone up the division for the belt but for some sad reason he lost touch with his fight with Islam Makhachev, and he was sloppy because he didn't have the camp that could help him with the fight for sure he needed the money but for sure ones, a determination is much needed into order to win but for sure I also like Ilia Topuria,
he must have given them the chance because he is also gaining those matches. i have yet not noticed UFC politics during those days but i think Dana was more confidence in the fighters that he allowed to do cross.
but obviously, Dana also has favoritism among the fighters that he wants to make it to the top. the ones who kiss his ass often get multiple title shots in the same weight class but not even fighting to earn his next title shot.
All we can do is speculate, but for sure they have given Conor McGregor too much credit because McGregor is one of the cash cows of the UFC and they tend to be more biased with the fighters that likely will give them profit, for sure Jon Jones right now has the same or should we say near treatment as McGregor as we all know Dana White is ready to give Tyson Fury for Jon Jones on a boxing match,