Mixed Martial Arts Volkanovski reclaims featherweight title with win over Lopes

MIAMI – Former champion Alexander Volkanovski regained his once undisputed Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) featherweight title on April 12 opposite Diego Lopes in the main event of UFC 314 by winning a unanimous decision 48-47, 49-46, 49-46 in Miami.

The fight lived up to expectations, with both men staying composed on their feet despite a near-fight-changing sequence from Lopes (26-7) by dropping Volkanovski (27-4) late in round 2.

Nevertheless, the volume of Volkanovski’s striking made the difference, despite being unable to find a home for the knockout.

“It’s good to be back,” the Australian, 36, said after the win.

Volkanovski held the featherweight title since December 2019 before losing the belt by knockout to Ilia Topuria in February 2024, but after a successful defence against Max Holloway in October, Topuria gave up the title to step up to lightweight, opening a path back to the top for the Australian.

“Adversity is a privilege. You hear people talk about that all the time, (but) it truly is, this moment is incredible,” said Volkanovski.

“It’s an opportunity – you get adversity, if you build yourself back up it’s only going to make you stronger, even if it doesn’t work out. But a lot of times it does, if you really pursue it.”

As for Lopes, he gave his full respect to the champion but wanted the crowd to know this is not the end of the journey.

“It was an honour to share the Octagon with Alexander Volkanovski,” the Brazilian, 30, said. “I’ll be back.”

The co-main event saw Paddy Pimblett use his potent striking and relentless pace to put away Michael Chandler with a third-round technical knockout to remain unbeaten in the UFC.

Pimblett (23-3) is firmly in title contention, while Chandler (23-10) returns to the drawing board now suffering back-to-back