Alexander Volkanovski is the king of the featherweight division once more.
At 36 and coming off two straight losses, Volkanovski managed to show again the clock and win a convincing resolution over Diego Lopes to seize a vacant 145-pound title. Volkanovski dropped the belt by way of a devastating knockout by the hands of Ilia Topuria in February 2024, however with Topuria transferring as much as the light-weight division, the championship was as soon as once more up for grabs.
Volkanovski didn’t disappoint, outworking the youthful Lopes for 5 rounds and surviving a last-second scare in Spherical 2 to win on the scorecards, with two judges having it for “The Nice” by way of 49-46 scores. It was the primary win for Volkanovski since a profitable title protection in opposition to Yair Rodriguez at UFC 290 in July 2023.
Fighters had been thrilled to see Volkanovski placed on a classic efficiency, with Aljamain Sterling merely stating, “The king is again!”
Take a look at extra reactions from social media beneath, with each Volkanovski and Lopes incomes the respect of their friends.
The King is again!! Nice battle males, Lopez and Volkanovski! #UFC314
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) April 13, 2025
Volk is most definitely previous his prime. He can’t take pictures how he used to. He doesn’t have the identical response time and many others. BUT
Even this Volk.. is world champ. THATS how freaking good VOLK is. Congrats champ #AndNewAgain #UFC314— Nazim Sadykhov (@naz_mma) April 13, 2025
Diego Ought to’ve fought the entire battle like he did that final minute
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) April 13, 2025
Volk is a legend man. Nice job and glad to see him get it again! #UFC314
— The Golden Boy (@edmenshahbazyan) April 13, 2025
Congrats to Volk Usman ought to be impressed by what he simply watched and stroll that stroll #UFC314
— Joaquin New Mansa Buckley (@Newmansa94) April 13, 2025
Would love the prospect to battle Diego Lopes after he heals up. Nice battle and exhibiting for the belt. You’re probably the greatest and I need the perfect! #UFC314
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) April 13, 2025
Gotta really feel nice for Volk. Fought just like the extra full and extra skilled fighter. What an effort by Lopes tho. Glorious most important occasion! Can’t wait to interrupt all of it down on @AnikFlorianPod #UFC314
— Kenny Florian (@kennyflorian) April 13, 2025
Well past my bedtime, however what an exceptional #UFC314 card.
Congrats to Volk on a classic efficiency and up subsequent…. #UFC315
THE MILITIA
— Mike Malott (@Michael_Malott) April 13, 2025
