Alexander Volkanovski reclaimed his position as the UFC featherweight champion, though his recent victory was hard-fought.
In the UFC 314 main event this past Saturday, “The Great” battled Diego Lopes for five rounds. Despite securing a definitive decision win, Volkanovski faced a significant knockdown in the second round and a persistent challenge from Lopes throughout the fight. Ultimately, Volkanovski was awarded the vacant title, marking his second reign as UFC champion.
According to Joe Lopez, Volkanovski`s head coach, the fighter may have sustained a hand injury early in the bout. This injury could potentially sideline Volkanovski for a period.
“He might have fractured his hand,” Lopez mentioned in an interview with Submission Radio. “We still need to get an X-ray to confirm, but he did injure his hand.”
Lopez couldn`t pinpoint the exact moment Volkanovski mentioned the discomfort, but he believes it must have been significant for his fighter to bring it up. He expressed relief that the intense fight didn`t result in more serious health consequences for Volkanovski.
“It occurred earlier in the fight, I believe,” Lopez stated. “Alex didn`t mention anything during the fight; it was only afterward when he said, `I think I hurt my hand.` I can`t recall the specific round.”
“He`s also experiencing foot soreness and general bumps and bruises after a five-round battle with a tough opponent. Some soreness is to be expected.”
With Volkanovski regaining the title and former champion Ilia Topuria moving to the lightweight division, the featherweight division is once again open with numerous new contenders for the Australian star. Lopez mentioned several potential challengers, highlighting Volkanovski`s eagerness to settle the score with Topuria, who previously knocked him out at UFC 298.
“It`s not our decision,” Lopez clarified. “It`s up to Ilia and the UFC. I`m confident the UFC would be interested in that rematch, given the significant attention it would attract, especially after Volk`s performance this past weekend. I know for a fact Volk really wants that fight back. It`s a matter of pride. When you believe you had something and lost it, you want to reclaim it, and Volk is determined to get that rematch. However, ultimately, it depends on Ilia and the decision-makers.”
A Volkanovski-Topuria rematch is unlikely to be scheduled immediately, particularly with other deserving contenders awaiting their opportunity. Movsar Evloev, still undefeated, is waiting for a title shot, and Jean Silva emerged as another potential contender at UFC 314 after a dominant win over Bryce Mitchell.
Lopez commented on both potential opponents.
“Realistically, Evloev deserves the shot, but he wasn`t discussed at all during the press conference,” Lopez noted. “There was hardly any mention of him. The focus was on Yair [Rodriguez] and others, but not him. It`s somewhat unfortunate. Perhaps he`s not considered exciting enough or doesn`t generate enough hype, but he`s undefeated and on a winning streak. If anyone deserves a title shot, it`s him, but it`s ultimately up to those in charge.”
“He`s definitely a future contender,” Lopez said about Silva. “He`s probably a couple more fights away from being at the top, but he`s on a good trajectory. He`s also a character and a very respectful guy. Though, perhaps a little eccentric.”
