Alexander Volkanovski warned after Dana White announcement as Diego Lopes vows to make dream come true
Featherweight contender Diego Lopes reacts to title shot vs. Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 314, claims he 'won't fail'.
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Diego Lopes reacts to title fight vs. Alexander Volkanovski atop UFC 314 PPV (Source: IMAGO/X)
A UFC featherweight title fight is heading to Miami for the PPV headliner spot, but not Ilia Topuria. Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes will fight for the vacant featherweight title on the main card of UFC 314. The promotion announced the news on Wednesday. The event takes place on April 12 at the Kaseya Center in Miami.
“El Matador”, the current titleholder Topuria, will vacate his gold at the first punch to go up to 155-pound limits. Topuria had promised Diego Lopes a crack at the gold if he performed at par, and he did. The Lobo Gym MMA fighter also made championship weight as a backup fighter during the UFC 308 PPV. Now, Lopes is coming for what’s his and issues a message for Aussie legend Volk.
I have worked like no one else in recent years, I have accepted challenges and dares that the UFC has put in front of me, I have said yes in every situation, even when it was not favorable for me. In less than 2 years within the UFC I will have my opportunity for the title. I will not fail. Dream, believe and make it happen. #AndNew
Diego Lopes via X (@Diegolopesmma)
Lopes (26-6 MMA, 5-1 UFC) has gone from relative unknown to top contender in less than two years with the promotion. Since losing to Movsar Evloev in his short-notice debut, Lopes has reeled off 5-0 on straight wins. His most recent outing came in September vs. Brian Ortega by unanimous decision.
Taking over South Beach 🌴@AlexVolkanovski vs @DiegoLopesMMA for FW GOLD 🏆@MikeChandlerMMA vs @PaddyTheBaddy 5-round co-main 👀
— UFC (@ufc) February 20, 2025
Get #UFC314 tickets ➡️ https://t.co/wHZIAclFPP pic.twitter.com/RJbUZ00Fus
I have worked like no one else in recent years, I have accepted challenges and dares that the UFC has put in front of me, I have said yes in every situation, even when it was not favorable for me. In less than 2 years within the UFC I will have my opportunity for the title. I…
— Diego Lopes 🇧🇷🇲🇽 (@Diegolopesmma) February 20, 2025
Lopes even subbed in vs. Dan Ige as a replacement opponent at UFC 303 on just hours’ notice. He feels he’s done the brass a solid and is happy to be rewarded with a spot for the vacant 145 title. This is a matchup he has been looking forward to. Volkanovski too has been eyeing an interim challenge against Lopes. He knows this can be a stiff test; he’s ready for it, though.
Alexander Volkanovski says Diego Lopes in for ‘very hard’ and tough night at the office at UFC 314
The hard work has paid off for UFC featherweight contender Diego Lopes. But the way forward is not all bed of roses for him either. ‘Old Man’ Volk is still here, lurking around the 145 lanes. With UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria relinquishing his title, Volkanovski is angsty to get back what’s his at UFC 314.
Alexander Volkanovski (26-4 MMA, 13-3 UFC) aims to bounce back from consecutive KO title slumps to Islam Makhachev and Topuria. The April 12 main event at Kaseya Center in Miami atop the UFC 314 PPV headliner could be one of his last opportunities. One that he’s ready for, hook or crook.
I’m feeling great, and I’m only going to get better from here, so that’s a scary thing – especially for Lopes, …I think Lopes is in for a very, very hard fight. He’s a gamer. He’s a great dude. I’ve got a lot of respect for him – very nice fella…I’m sure he’s expecting to go out there and win the belt, but I’m sorry, mate. That ain’t happening. Good on you for being in this position.
Aelxander Volkanovski via his Official YT channel
Volkanovski says he’s known about the April date for a while but wasn’t sure if Lopes was his opponent. Or what, if any, were the (title) implications along with it? “The Great” even amped up talks last week with his new ‘Volks Thailand Camp | Aljamain Sterling, Craig Jones, Frank Hickman, and More‘ segment on his YouTube handle (@AlexVolkanovskiOfficial).
There was ripe speculation that he had or was soon entering active camp, and fight news was imminent. Now he has warmed up to what it all meant. The former five-time UFC featherweight champ thus warns Lopes he’s hungry to reclaim his throne. After the losses, Volk knows many are doubting his form, but he’d like to prove the doubters wrong at UFC 314.
Related: Ilia Topuria vows to destroy Islam Makhachev; personally ‘rejects’ Alexander Volkanovski rematch
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