Alexander Volkanovski, after taking time off to recover from recent losses, is determined to prove his critics wrong by showcasing his preparation and skills in an upcoming fight against a rising contender at UFC 314.
Alexander Volkanovski knows that MMA is all about the “what have you done for me lately” mindset.
“Look, I think a lot of people are going to look at [those losses] and be like it was a bad run,” Volkanovski told First Take on Tuesday. “It was a short-notice fight against Makhachev. High risk, high reward. I thought I could pull it off. Didn’t happen. Quick turnaround, and got caught again by Topuria.”
“But folks might think ‘he’s done,’ and that’s fair. For me, though? I’m still grinding in the gym. The only way to change minds is to perform this weekend. That’s my plan.”
After losing to Topuria last February, just months after Makhachev’s knockout, Volkanovski took a year off to heal physically and mentally.
In his absence, fighters like Lopes have surged in the featherweight ranks, bringing hype ahead of UFC 314 on Saturday.
Volkanovski insists his time away wasn’t a vacation; he’s been working hard to ensure different outcomes in future fights.
“Preparation shows you’ve still got it,” Volkanovski said. “People see those two losses and say I’m done. But I’m in the gym proving otherwise, with my training partners backing me up.”
“People forget quickly, but that’s the beauty of this sport, right? They can be reminded just as fast—watch this weekend.”
The one downside of his upcoming title fight? No chance to avenge his loss to Topuria since he’s moved on to pursue new challenges at 155 pounds.
Though he wanted another shot at Topuria, Volkanovski isn’t too upset. He’s facing Lopes—a rising star who’s been impressive in featherweight recently.
“I wanted that rematch with Ilia,” Volkanovski admitted. “To remind everyone and reclaim that win.”
“But fighting a young, hungry fighter like Lopes for the vacant belt is the next best thing.”