Do or die for Alexander Volkanovski? HOF-er breaks down UFC 314 stakes

UFC veteran Chael Sonnen believes at UFC 314, former champion Alexander Volkanovski will have to fight in order to save his fighting career.

Do or die for Alexander Volkanovski? HOF-er breaks down UFC 314 stakes

Alexander Volkanovski's do-or-die fight at UFC 314 (via Imago)

Alexander Volkanovski is considered one of the most dominant featherweight champions in UFC history, having ruled the division impressively. He cleaned out top contenders and faced fierce battles before eventually losing his title in a hard-fought matchup last year. Now, at UFC 314, ‘The Great’ aims to reclaim his crown in what experts say carries stakes beyond just gold.

After Ilia Topuria vacated the UFC featherweight title to move up to the lightweight division, it opened up opportunity for Volkanovski. The UFC decided to put him and rising contender Diego Lopes for the fight, and the hype around it is massive. Ahead of the bout, Chael Sonnen talked about Volk’s current position and how a loss can turn disastrous. 

It is a tough spot. Volkanovski’s name ever returning to the discussion of a title fight might never happen again….If he gets laid out or if he gets stopped….people are gonna be calling for a retirement….I think Volk is not only fighting for a world title, but he’s fighting for his career.

Chael Sonnen via The Good Guy/ Bad Guy Show 
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Daniel Cormier echoed Sonnen’s sentiment, expressing doubts about Volkanovski’s longevity following his recent knockout losses. In a sport where legends like Tony Ferguson faded late, Volkanovski might choose a wiser exit instead of dragging his legacy down. Still, his burning desire to prove himself again could cloud his judgment, making retirement a harder decision emotionally.

Once a dominant featherweight king, Volkanovski’s aura of invincibility began to fade after suffering tough losses in two divisions. Moving up to lightweight twice, he faced Islam Makhachev, losing both times—especially the brutal head-kick knockout in their rematch. Later, his knockout loss to Topuria shocked fans, signaling a possible decline in speed, timing, and overall defensive sharpness.

Age, accumulated damage, and fighting too frequently against dangerous opponents were the predicted reasons for the former champion’s downfall. However, the Aussie superstar has no intentions of giving up and is confident about his ability to win. This weekend at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida, Volkanovski might have to face one of his biggest challenges.

Alexander Volkanovski is the underdog going into UFC 314

Alexander Volkanovski will enter UFC 314 as the underdog, facing questions about his durability. Diego Lopes, on the other hand, rides a surge of momentum, finishing three opponents impressively and showcasing explosive striking and submissions. The Brazilian’s aggressive style, confidence, and youth make him a serious threat, especially against a potentially declining version of Volk. 

Alexander Volkanovski enters as the underdog against Diego Lopes
Alexander Volkanovski enters as the underdog against Diego Lopes (via Imago)

With each win, Lopes has gained credibility and fanfare, turning into a dangerous contender ready for a breakout moment at UFC 314. However, for Volkanovski’s head coach, Joe Lopez, the odds mean nothing. In a recent interview, the experienced veteran talked about how it will benefit the former champion. 

Nah, I’m not at all [surprised]. You’re always as good as your last fight, you know! And, he didn’t do too good in his last fight. So, obviously, he’s going to be the underdog. People write him off. But, look, we’ve always liked being the underdog and people doubting us right from the beginning, you know. If anything, that just spurs Alex more and makes him more determined to win.

Joe Lopez via The Submission Radio 
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Volkanovski has taken a much-needed break this time, allowing his body and mind to fully recover. He looks sharp, focused, and motivated with his elite striking, fight IQ. Given his championship experience, many fans still believe he has what it takes to outclass and defeat the surging contender. 

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