Alexander Volkanovski, the reigning UFC featherweight champion, has made a bold statement ahead of his title defense against Diego Lopes at UFC 325 in Sydney. Volkanovski, known for his strategic prowess, has vowed to abandon conventional tactics if presented with a blockbuster fight against his long-time rival, Max Holloway, for the BMF (Baddest Mother F***er) title. “We do the belt justice… it’s ‘OK, we’re scrapping’,” Volkanovski declared in an exclusive interview.
The announcement comes as Volkanovski prepares for his first title defense in his hometown, marking a significant moment in his storied career. Scheduled for February 1, 2024, the rematch with Brazil’s Diego Lopes is set to headline a highly anticipated card in Sydney. Despite Lopes’ recent TKO victory over Jean Silva, Volkanovski remains confident, stating, “His only chance is to land a big shot… and if I fight him again two years from now that will still be the case.”
Volkanovski’s Strategic Insights and Rivals
Volkanovski’s confidence is not unfounded. In their previous encounter, he secured a comprehensive decision victory over Lopes. Reflecting on that fight, Volkanovski noted, “We now know he wasn’t that good at cutting off [the cage].” He added that Lopes’ inability to close the distance effectively left “big openings,” a flaw Volkanovski intends to exploit once again.
Meanwhile, Volkanovski has also shared his thoughts on the upcoming BMF title match between Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira, predicting a victory for Holloway. This potential fourth clash with Holloway excites Volkanovski, who sees it as an opportunity to “fight that fight” without the constraints of strategy. “If the BMF title is offered to me? Or the UFC lightweight title? Yeah, I’m doing it,” he stated, emphasizing his readiness to seize any opportunity that comes his way.
Implications for the Featherweight Division
Volkanovski’s ambitions extend beyond the BMF title. He has expressed interest in facing the winner of a likely No.1 contender fight between Movsar Evloev and Lerone Murphy. “Movsar wins the fight,” Volkanovski predicted, highlighting Evloev’s undefeated record of 19 professional bouts. “A fight like that is big for your legacy,” he added, underscoring his commitment to defending his title against the division’s top contenders.
Volkanovski’s approach reflects his belief in earning opportunities rather than having them handed to him. “I’ve always talked about things being earned, not given,” he explained. This philosophy drives his desire to face the best, ensuring his reign as champion is both legitimate and respected.
Looking Ahead: Volkanovski’s Legacy
As Volkanovski prepares for his rematch with Lopes, he remains focused on addressing past vulnerabilities. Having suffered consecutive knockout losses to Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria, Volkanovski acknowledges the importance of proving his resilience. “One of the questions coming into that fight was ‘can I still take a punch?’” he admitted. The Sydney fight offers him a chance to affirm his durability and refine his defensive tactics.
Volkanovski’s journey is one of constant evolution, driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence. His willingness to adapt and confront challenges head-on positions him as a formidable force in the UFC. As he steps into the octagon in Sydney, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if “The Great” can once again rise to the occasion and solidify his legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
