Diego Lopes' UFC 314 opponent, Alexander Volkanovski, admits problems in duel with Ilia Topuria

A. Volkanovski at a press conference after UFC 266 (Photo: Reproduction/Youtube)

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More than a year after losing the Ultimate featherweight title (up to 65,7 kg) to Ilia Topuria, Alexander Volkanovski has the chance to return to the top of the category when he faces Diego Lopes in the main event of UFC 314, April 12. After several months since he last stepped into the octagon, the Australian has been reflecting on some factors that influenced his performance against the Georgian/Spanish.

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Ilia Topuria (right) and Alexander Volkanovski (left) after their fight at UFC 298. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

In an interview at Espaitec's North American'MightyCast', introduced by former Ultimate flyweight champion (up to 56,7 kg), Demetrious Johnson, he recalled the process involved in accepting the fight with Topuria. Volkanovski had been knocked out by Islam Makhachev in the lightweight division (up to 70,3 kg) just three months prior, but accepted to defend his title without much time to rest.

“I said I would never hold divisions. A lot of people thought I was crazy fighting Ilia Topuria three months later, but nobody could have changed my mind. That’s what I had, I was like, ‘No, I’m going back there. This is my job, my responsibility. I said I wouldn’t hold divisions, I won’t hold them’,” the fighter stated.

ILIA TOPURIA KNOCKED ALEXANDER VOLKANOVSKI OUT COLD pic.twitter.com/zvGldhWxCy

— Stream Highlights Clips (@selfimprovement) February 18, 2024

Recalling the circumstances behind his decision to accept the fight, he also mentioned how he may have been affected by returning to action at such short notice.

“They (the media) were like, ‘Oh, and if you’re coming off a knockout loss, it messes with your confidence and everything.’ I called that bullshit, there’s no way, I didn’t believe any of it. You couldn’t have told me that and the only time I maybe felt something, a little bit, was when I was in the Octagon. That’s when I was like, ‘Okay, maybe there’s something to it,’” the Australian confessed.

Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes will decide a new featherweight champion at UFC 314. Photo: Reproduction X UFC