Many today think Alexander Volkanovski’s best days are behind him. That’s an opinion that his upcoming opponent Diego Lopes doesn’t share.
The vacant UFC featherweight title will be up for grabs on April 12, as Lopes (26-6 MMA, 5-1 UFC) takes on Volkanovski (26-4 MMA, 13-3 UFC) in a five-round clash in the main event of UFC 314. These two were booked in response to Ilia Topuria’s decision to vacate his title and move up to 155 pounds.
The last time Volkanovski was seen in action, he was knocked out by Topuria at UFC 298 in February 2024. The defeat put the now 36-year-old on a two-fight losing streak and 1-3 in his past four. The two defeats outside the Topuria featherweight title loss came at lightweight against champion Islam Makhachev.
