Former champion Alexander Volkanovski reacts to featherweight champion Ilia Topuria announcing he will be leaving the featherweight title to move to another division.
The news came as a shock to the MMA world but the position will not be empty for too long as former champion Alexander Volkanovski and rising challenger Diego Lopes will be battling for the title at UFC 314. It was earlier rumoured that there would be a rematch between Topuria and Volkanovski, but this fight will not come to fruition as Topuria will be moving to lightweight. Volkanovski was quite surprised by this new turnaround and had something to say about it on his YouTube channel.
“I just found out it was Lopes not that long ago,” Volkanovski said. “We always knew it was going to be April for the belt. We just weren’t exactly sure who. Obviously, that throws questions … What’s happened with Ilia? Is he having a break? Is he moving up? I still don’t know the answer to that. … He obviously was talking about moving up. We originally thought it was going to be Ilia or Lopes. I was preparing for Ilia because we did the face-off.
“Lopes, obviously a dangerous dude. A bit of a different matchup to Ilia. Obviously, both are dangerous fighters. I’m really looking forward to this one, very excited. Excited to show everyone — people are like, ‘Oh, he’s old, he’s done!’ I hope people are thinking that. Everyone knows I love the underdog story, I love to prove people wrong. I still think a lot of people believe in me, and I’m going to go out there and look great anyway. But for those who don’t, you have every right to think that until I change your opinion, and that’s exactly what I’m going to do April 12. So I cannot wait for that.”
On the other hand, Lopes is indifferent about the fighter vacating his position. He is more focused on winning the upcoming fight.
“I have worked like no one else in recent years, I have accepted challenges and dares that the UFC has put in front of me, I have said yes in every situation, even when it was not favourable for me.” Lopes said on X. “In less than 2 years within the UFC I will have my opportunity for the title. I will not fail. Dream, believe and make it happen. #AndNew”
This is a great chance for Volkanovski to reclaim his belt. He is eager to prove he is still a formidable force in the cage and plans on cutting down any obstacle that gets in his way.
“I ain’t getting any younger, but I’m still feeling great,” Volkanovski said. “… You may be seeing the best Volk you’ve ever seen, so let’s go. I’m feeling great, and I’m only going to get better from here. That’s the scary thing, especially for Lopes.
“I think Lopes is in for a very, very hard fight. He’s a gamer, he’s a great dude. I’ve got a lot of respect for him, very nice fella. I’m sure he’s expecting to go out there and win the belt, but I’m sorry mate, that ain’t happening. But good on ya for being in this position. Happy you’re getting the opportunity to fight for the belt, but I’m still here. You ain’t having it. Sorry mate.”
Lopes has been on an incredible tear since signing with the UFC in 2023. After losing his short-notice debut in a close fight with undefeated Movsar Evloev, Lopes won five in a row, most recently dominating Brian Ortega at UFC 306. Volkanovski is coming off two consecutive knockout losses: one to lightweight champion Islam Makhachev and, more recently, to Ilia Topuria at UFC 298 last February.
