Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes aren’t pondering an excessive amount of about Ilia Topuria now.
Wednesday evening, the MMA world was shocked by the information that featherweight champion Ilia Topuria was vacating his title, and former champion Alexander Volkanovski and rising contender Diego Lopes are set to struggle for the belt at UFC 314 in April in Miami. Most assumed a rematch between Topuria and Volkanovski was subsequent up, however now Topuria is making good on his promise to maneuver as much as light-weight and pursue a second title.
In a video posted to his YouTube shortly after the announcement, Volkanovski reacted to this sudden change of plans.
“I simply came upon it was Lopes not that way back,” Volkanovski mentioned. “We at all times knew it was going to be April for the belt, we simply weren’t precisely certain who. Clearly, that throws questions … What’s occurred with Ilia? Is he having a break? Is he transferring up? I nonetheless don’t know the reply to that. … He clearly was speaking about transferring up. We initially thought it was going to be Ilia or Lopes. I used to be making ready for Ilia as a result of we did the face-off.
“Lopes, clearly a harmful dude. A little bit of a special matchup to Ilia. Clearly, each are harmful fighters. I’m actually wanting ahead to this one, very excited. Excited to point out everybody — persons are like, ‘Oh, he’s outdated, he’s achieved!’ I hope persons are pondering that. Everybody is aware of I like the underdog story, I like to show individuals improper. I nonetheless suppose lots of people consider in me, and I’m going to go on the market and look nice anyway. However for many who don’t, you could have each proper to suppose that till I alter your opinion, and that’s precisely what I’m going to do April 12. So I can’t look ahead to that.”
Equally, Lopes didn’t spare a lot thought on Topuria selecting to desert his hard-won title, as an alternative specializing in the duty at hand and his alternative to develop into a UFC world champion.
I’ve labored like nobody else in recent times, I’ve accepted challenges and dares that the UFC has put in entrance of me, I’ve mentioned sure in each state of affairs, even when it was not favorable for me. In lower than 2 years throughout the UFC I’ll have my alternative for the title. I…
— Diego Lopes (@Diegolopesmma) February 20, 2025
“I’ve labored like nobody else in recent times, I’ve accepted challenges and dares that the UFC has put in entrance of me, I’ve mentioned sure in each state of affairs, even when it was not favorable for me. In lower than 2 years throughout the UFC I’ll have my alternative for the title. I cannot fail. Dream, consider and make it occur. #AndNew”
Lopes has been on an unbelievable tear since signing with the UFC in 2023. After shedding his short-notice debut in an in depth struggle with undefeated Movsar Evloev, Lopes received 5 in a row, most just lately dominating Brian Ortega at UFC 306. Volkanovski, in the meantime, is presently amid the worst stretch of his profession, shedding three of his previous 4 fights, culminating in dropping the title to Topuria at UFC 298.
However regardless of that, and his respect for Lopes, the previous featherweight champion had a message for his future foe.
“I ain’t getting any youthful, however I’m nonetheless feeling nice,” Volkanovski mentioned. “… You could be seeing one of the best Volk you’ve ever seen, so let’s go. I’m feeling nice, and I’m solely going to get higher from right here. That’s the scary factor, particularly for Lopes.
“I feel Lopes is in for a really, very onerous struggle. He’s a gamer, he’s an amazing dude. I’ve bought numerous respect for him, very good fella. I’m certain he’s anticipating to go on the market and win the belt, however I’m sorry mate, that ain’t taking place. However good on ya for being on this place. Completely satisfied you’re getting the chance to struggle for the belt, however I’m nonetheless right here. You ain’t having it. Sorry mate.”
