$1 million bet to Alexander Volkanovski adds spice to UFC featherweight division

Former UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski has another opportunity to reclaim his title at UFC 314.

$1 million bet to Alexander Volkanovski adds spice to UFC featherweight division

Alexander Volkanovski gets an interesting proposal from fellow UFC featherweight fighter (Image via MMA Fighting)

The UFC featherweight division was once dominated by Australian fighter Alexander Volkanovski. However, in the current situation, ‘El Matador’ Ilia Topuria is preparing to vacate his 145 lbs title. In his quest to reclaim the championship, Volkanovski has another opportunity at UFC 314. Diego Lopes will be facing him for the vacant UFC featherweight title.

With only a month remaining until UFC 314, the pre-fight press conference took place last night. Most of the featured fighters, including Diego Lopes and Patricio Pitbull, attended the event. Notably, UFC debutant Pitbull made an intriguing proposal, offering Alexander Volkanovski a million-dollar challenge. Volkanovski’s response to this offer heightened the excitement among the audience.

I’m expecting to defend my belt a couple of times this year. You do a good job, I’ll see you there.

Alexander Volkanovski via UFC 314
YouTube video

Patricio Pitbull is a former Bellator featherweight champion known for his impressive performance in the organization. However, due to a strained relationship with his previous promotion, Pitbull sought to sign with the UFC. In his debut match at UFC 314, the Brazilian fighter is set to face Yair Rodriguez, who was previously defeated by Alexander Volkanovski.

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Interestingly, both Pitbull and Volkanovski have a compelling history together. While both featherweight fighters were thriving as champions in their respective promotions, they expressed interest in fighting each other. Pitbull, in particular, seemed more invested in a potential clash with Volkanovski. Now that both compete in the UFC, they have both spoken about the possibility of fighting each other soon.

Movsar Evloev makes his pick for the UFC 314 fight between Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes

‘El Matador’ Ilia Topuria emerged as a formidable challenger to Alexander Volkanovski, ending his dominant reign in the featherweight division. Following this defeat, the Australian fighter was understandably disappointed and quickly sought a rematch. Meanwhile, Topuria solidified his championship status by defeating Max Holloway, while Volkanovski found himself sidelined.

Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes face-off
Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes face-off (Image via Bloody Elbow)

After months of waiting, Volkanoski has opened up the possibility of fighting contenders in the UFC featherweight division. As a result, the promotion has seemingly scheduled him to face Diego Lopes, who is currently riding high on a five-fight win streak. Despite this, another UFC featherweight contender, Movsar Evloev, does not believe that Lopes can defeat Volkanovski in their upcoming matchup.

I think if Volkanovski has 50 percent of his prime shape, he can beat this guy easy. I’ll be next for him, and we will see.

Movsar Evloev via Home of Fight
YouTube video

Movsar Evloev is quietly enhancing his MMA career in the UFC. The Russian fighter has an impressive unbeaten streak in the promotion, having defeated strong opponents like Lopes and Aljamain Sterling. Given his accomplishments, Evloev is confident that he is the next contender for the UFC featherweight title.

Related: Is Alexander Volkanovski a chef? Learn about UFC featherweight champ’s impressive cooking skills