Alexander Volkanovski is set to fight Diego Lopes for a vacant featherweight title at UFC 314, while former featherweight champion Ilia Topuria moves up to lightweight, potentially to face Islam Makhachev, with Volkanovski acknowledging Topuria’s decision as fair and considering him a strong contender due to his dangerous striking ability.
Alexander Volkanovski was eyeing a rematch with Ilia Topuria. Yet, he’s cool with the featherweight champ moving up for a shot at a second belt instead.
Right after UFC 298‘s main event, chatter about Topuria vs. Volkanovski took off. Topuria had just knocked out Volkanovski in round two to snag the featherweight title. Then he defended it with another knockout, this time against Max Holloway. Meanwhile, Volkanovski took some time off, enjoying a much-needed break from the octagon.
Fast forward to UFC 314 on April 12—Volkanovski’s back, but not against Topuria. He’s set to face Diego Lopes for the vacant featherweight title. Topuria? He’s eyeing lightweight gold and might face Islam Makhachev. It’s still up in the air if he’ll fight Makhachev right away, but Volkanovski thinks it’s fair game.
"He vacated the belt, which is fair," Volkanovski mentioned on the Believe You Me podcast. "If he tried holding onto both, that wasn’t gonna fly."
Volkanovski added, "He let go of featherweight to focus on lightweight—that’s big. He deserves a shot."
Topuria’s undefeated at 16-0 and seems ready to be the next "champ-champ." Dana White even said Topuria’s done cutting to 145 pounds.
If Topuria squares off with Makhachev, it’ll be No. 1 versus No. 2 Pound-for-Pound fighters globally. Both have faced Volkanovski, who shared his thoughts on how the fight might play out.
"How’s that fight gonna go?" pondered Volkanovski. "I’ve fought them both. Islam’s tough; his only real threat is getting knocked out."
Volkanovski continued, "Ilia’s got dangerous hands; don’t count him out. He’s composed and always hunting for that KO punch."
"If anyone can catch Islam," Volkanovski concluded, "it’s Ilia. Especially early on when he’s fresh and dangerous."