Alexander Volkanovski, a former UFC featherweight champion, was hoping to rematch Ilia Topuria after losing his title to him at UFC 298 in February 2024. However, Topuria vacated the featherweight belt to move up to the lightweight division, leaving Volkanovski to face Diego Lopes for the vacant title at UFC 314 on April 12, 2025, in Miami. In a recent interview with MainEvent, Volkanovski shared his thoughts on missing out on the Topuria rematch and his mindset heading into the fight with Lopes.
Volkanovski on the Topuria Rematch Delay
Volkanovski had been eager for a chance to win back the featherweight title from Topuria, who knocked him out in the second round at UFC 298. However, Topuria’s decision to move to lightweight changed those plans, and Volkanovski admitted the long wait took a toll on him.
“I wouldn’t say disappointed. It was such a slow process. By that stage I’m just like, ‘Give me anybody now.’ I’ve had a big break. Yeah a perfect world would have been fighting Ilia in a rematch, getting that win back. But then it got to a point where, who knows how long that’s gonna be if I am fighting him,” Volkanovski said.
He explained that the uncertainty around Topuria’s plans left him ready to fight anyone, as long as he could get back in the octagon and compete for the title.
Preparing for Diego Lopes at UFC 314
Now, Volkanovski is focused on his upcoming fight against Diego Lopes at UFC 314. Lopes is on a five-fight winning streak, with recent victories over Brian Ortega and Dan Ige, making him a tough challenge.
Volkanovski, who has been out of the octagon since his loss to Topuria over a year ago, is determined to prove he can still compete at the highest level. In the ESPN interview, he expressed his desire to show he can beat the new generation of fighters like Lopes and reclaim the featherweight title.
Volkanovski’s journey back to the octagon has been challenging. Known as one of the greatest featherweight fighters in UFC history, he ruled the division for years with wins over big names like Max Holloway and Jose Aldo. His recent knockout losses to lightweight champion Islam Makhachev at UFC 294 and then to Topuria at UFC 298 have raised questions about his future, but his determination to fight for the title at UFC 314 shows his resilience. The fight against Lopes is a chance for Volkanovski to prove he’s still a top contender and add to his legacy in the UFC.
