A. Volkanovski (left) in a duel against I. Topuria in UFC 298. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @ufcbrasil
The featherweight (up to 65,7 kg) belt dispute against Diego lopes No. UFC 314, on April 12th, marks the return of Alexander Volkanovsky to the octagon more than a year after the brutal knockout and title loss against Ilia Topuria. A standout in the Ultimate lightweight division (up to 70,3 kg) and training partner of the former champion at City Kickboxing, Dan Hooker can't wait to see his friend in action.
In an interview with New Zealand's 'Sky Sports', Hooker confirmed that he will be in Volkanovski's corner in UFC 314 and did not hide his anxiety for his companion's confrontation with Diego lopes.
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“Yes, I will be there. I am pretty sure Israel (Adesanya) will be there. We will obviously support Alexander Volkanovsky. 10 fights in a row for the belt. Tough fight against the youngster Diego lopes. It's going to be a hell of a fight. Coming back after two tough fights, the toughest time of his career, being on the other side of it, being able to prove he's still the man and be champion again? I can't wait," Hooker said.
In the opinion of Dan Hooker, the long time away from the octagon since the defeat to Ilia Topuria is an asset in favor of the former champion. According to the New Zealander, a large part of the last defeat has more to do with the fact that Volkanovski returned hastily after being knocked out by Islam makhachev, than with any merit of the Spanish-Georgian.
“I feel like he came back really quickly from the fight with Islam makhachev. I don’t think Topuria did anything amazing. I feel like he came back too soon. (…) He’s been one of the most consistent champions for the UFC, always taking short-notice fights. He needed more time between those fights for his body to fully recover,” he concluded.
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