UFC 314: Volkanovski and Lopes’ journey to gold

MIAMI: Alexander Volkanovski will attempt to become a two-time featherweight champion on Saturday night at UFC 314, as he hopes to make a comeback and win the vacant title against a young and hungry contender in Diego Lopes. But, if Volkanovski falls short, it could be the last time fans see the great one in the cage.

Volkanovski’s journey

Volkanovski has cemented himself as one of mixed martial arts all time greats. And on his way to such heights, he has toppled some of the greatest featherweights to ever put on a pair of gloves, claimed gold and defended it five times, and took the top spot on the pound for pound rankings. Some of his most iconic fights saw him clash with Max Holloway, another featherweight who could arguably be considered the best ever in the division. The last fight in particular of their trilogy showcased Volkanovski at his physical and technical best. However, the Australian fighter will most likely be remembered for his two fights against Islam Makhachev, which unfortunately, was when things took a turn for the first.

In early 2023, Volkanovski would try his hand at something Conor McGregor pulled off years and years ago; moving up to lightweight and capturing the title in one fell swoop. He faced Makhachev, the most dominant champion since Khabib, in a fight that most believed he would lose. And he did, but when the final bell rang and the judges read out the score cards, many thought that the decision was wrong. At the very least, Volkanovski had done enough to earn the respect of his doubters.

But, in late 2023, the two would clash again, and this time, things wouldn’t go as well for the then-featherweight champion. Some would go on to blame the loss on the short notice nature of the fight. After all, Volkanovski didn’t get a full training camp. However, the fact remains, Volkanovski was knocked out in the first round.

While the loss ended Volkanovski’s lightweight title aspirations for the time being, he was still the featherweight champ. That was until he faced Ilia Topuria, an undefeated Georgian and Spanish fighter who had been steadily climbing the ranks. Volkanovski once again suffered a knockout defeat. Now, over a year later, he hopes to reclaim the title he lost, this time believing he’s gotten the rest needed to be fully healthy and ready to go.

During that year of recovery, Topuria became the first man to knock out Max Holloway, and then vacated the title soon after, in the hopes of getting a lightweight title shot against Makhachev. Thus, Volknaovski won’t get a shot at revenge, but he will get a chance at becoming a two-time champion. Only now, it will be against Diego Lopes.

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Lopes’ journey

When Lopes made his debut in May of 2023, he showed the world he was cut from the same cloth as some of the best in the UFC. On days’ notice, he stepped up to fight Movsar Evloev, in what became a back and forth affair. Evloev had his hand raised, but people would remember Lopes’ name.

After that fight, Lopes never suffered another loss in the octagon again. His next fight would demonstrate his jiu jitsu ability, as he submitted Gavin Ticker in less than two minutes. Three months later, and Lopes had another first round finish, this time by knockout. The back to back emphatic performances set him up for a clash with a ranked opponent, Sofiq Yusuff. The competition may have stepped up, but the outcome didn’t. Another first round finish. Another knockout.

Now ranked himself, even tougher competition was in store for Lopes. He once again stepped in on short notice, to face Brian Ortega. But, in a last-minute twist of events, Ortega withdrew, and Dan Ige stepped in. The switch up only served to show that Lopes was ready for whatever the UFC threw at him, winning by unanimous decision.

Lopes’ last opponent was two-time title challenger, Brian Ortega. The Brazilian got off to a fantastic start, almost ending the fight in the first round. However, Ortega’s toughness meant the two fighters would make it to the end of the third and final round. Lopes’ win by unanimous decision was the fifth time he had his hand raised in just 13 months.

Now, he has a chance to top off his fantastic streak with a win over one of the greatest featherweights to ever fight. But, it won’t be an easy task. Volkanovski is more motivated then ever, he himself stating that the upcoming bout is the most important one of his career.

“I really do think that this is the biggest fight of my career. I think winning the belt now at the timing would be the biggest part of my story. So really looking forward to putting on a show and getting that belt back.”

– Volkanovski, pre-fight press conference

Not only is the former champ more motivated than ever, but he has finally gotten the time off he believes he needs to be at his best. However, Lopes is the younger, hungrier fighter, with all the momentum one could ever ask for on his side. Volkanovski on the other hand, while older and more damaged, has a sea of experience in five round championship fights.

Fans will find out what matters more on Saturday night (Sunday morning in Pakistan).

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