Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes are set to fight for the vacated featherweight title at UFC 314 in April after Ilia Topuria moved up to lightweight, with both fighters expressing excitement and determination ahead of their championship bout.
Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes aren’t losing sleep over Ilia Topuria right now. The MMA community was taken aback when featherweight champ Ilia Topuria vacated his title. This unexpected move paved the way for former champion Alexander Volkanovski and rising star Diego Lopes to clash for the belt at UFC 314 in Miami this April.
Most fans were gearing up for a Topuria-Volkanovski rematch, but Topuria had other plans. He’s set to make good on his promise to step up to lightweight and chase another title. In a video posted on his YouTube channel, Volkanovski shared his reaction to the news.
“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.” He expressed curiosity about Topuria’s next steps, wondering if he’s taking a break or indeed moving up. “I was preparing for Ilia because we did the face-off.”
Lopes is no pushover, though. Volkanovski acknowledged him as a dangerous opponent, albeit a different matchup than Topuria. “I’m really looking forward to this one,” he added with excitement. There’s chatter about Volkanovski being past his prime, but he’s eager to prove doubters wrong. “I love the underdog story,” he said, determined to change opinions come April 12.
Meanwhile, Lopes isn’t dwelling on Topuria’s decision to vacate the title. His focus is firmly on seizing his chance at becoming a UFC world champion. On Twitter, he shared his journey: “I’ve worked like no one else… I have accepted challenges… I will not fail.”
Lopes has been on a roll since joining the UFC in 2023. After a narrow debut loss to Movsar Evloev, he bounced back with five consecutive wins, recently besting Brian Ortega at UFC 306. Volkanovski, on the other hand, is navigating a rough patch, having lost three of his last four bouts.
Despite recent setbacks and acknowledging Lopes’ skills, Volkanovski had a message for him. “I ain’t getting any younger, but I’m still feeling great,” he asserted confidently. He warned that Lopes might face the best version of himself yet.
“Lopes is in for a very hard fight,” Volkanovski predicted. Though he respects Lopes as a competitor and person, Volkanovski made it clear: “I’m sorry mate, that ain’t happening.” With determination in his voice, he concluded by congratulating Lopes on earning this opportunity but made it known that the belt remains within his sights.