Diego Lopes' opponent comments on Brazilian's fight with Yair Rodriguez: 'I almost got involved'

Diego lopes e Yair Rodriguez they got into trouble at the press conference UFC 314. Photo: UFC Reproduction

Diego lopes e Yair Rodriguez stole the scene after getting involved in a long discussion during the pre-press conferenceUFC 314, last Thursday (10). As much as the moment was pure entertainment for most fans and media, it did not fail to bring concerns to Ultimate employees, including Alexander Volkanovsky, who faces the manauara in the main fight of the pay-per-view, with the featherweight belt (up to 65,7 kg) at stake.

See too

Diego Lopes and Alexander Volkanovski make weight and confirm title fight at UFC 314

After a scare, Jean Silva returns to the scale, weighs in and confirms participation in UFC 314

Exclusive! Patrício Pitbull rejects pressure for a show and makes it clear what he wants in the UFC

A. Volkanovski performs at UFC 314. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

The Australian explained his perspective on the situation in the special program organized by Ultimate during the official weigh-in of the UFC 314, this Friday (11). According to the former champion, his concern grew as the discussion became more intense, due to the possibility of Rodriguez and Lopes coming to blows.

“At one point I was just thinking, ‘Don’t fight each other. If someone gets hurt, I might be left without an opponent.’ At first I thought nothing would happen, but then they had another more intense conversation and got really close to each other. I thought maybe I needed to get involved to stop something from happening, because I need a ‘dance partner,’” said the fighter, who confessed that he didn’t understand the insults hurled by the two.

Alexander Volkanovsky is asked about the beef between Yair Rodriguez and Diego lopes yesterday:

"Don't fight each other. If someone gets injured I might not have an opponent…

I was like 'I might have to dive in here.'”

@ufc #UFC314pic.twitter.com/CbLtTH3QyM

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) April 11, 2025

In addition to Diego Lopes, Volkanovski has already fought with Rodriguez

Alexander Volkanovsky in victory in UFC 290. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

PUBLICITY:

While he waits for the opportunity to win back the belt in the duel with the Brazilian, Volkanovski has already had the opportunity to share the octagon with Rodriguez. In fact, the Australian's last victory came against the Mexican, in UFC 290, in July 2023. On that occasion, he successfully defended his featherweight title (up to 65,7 kg) by dispatching his opponent in the third round, by technical knockout.

Rodriguez is now looking to return to the winning column in a duel against Patrick Pitbull. After losing the belt unification against Volkanovski, he was defeated by Brian ortega, in February 2024.