Robert Whittaker is convinced that Alexander Volkanovski`s time as a champion is not over yet.
Volkanovski has an opportunity to win back the featherweight title this Saturday at UFC 314 against Diego Lopes for the vacant belt. The title became available after Ilia Topuria moved to the lightweight division. Despite recent knockout losses, including a short-notice fight against lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, Volkanovski is immediately in contention for the title.
Although Volkanovski is 36 and may not be in his prime, Whittaker believes the Australian fighter still has plenty to offer and can regain his position as the best in the featherweight division.
“Volk has top-level skills,” Whittaker stated on his MMArcade Podcast. “I can envision him attacking Lopes`s calf with kicks and using his step-through left hand. I see him pushing Diego back and attempting double-leg takedowns against the cage. He used wrestling extensively earlier in his career, especially against fighters like Yair Rodriguez, and it was very effective. I expect to see a well-rounded Volk with top-tier skills, and I believe we will have another Australian champion.”
Before his loss to Topuria, Volkanovski had never lost in the featherweight division. However, questions about his resilience have arisen after knockouts by Makhachev and Topuria within four months.
The loss to Topuria was particularly surprising given Volkanovski’s reputation for toughness and his dominant reign as featherweight champion. Volkanovski won the title at UFC 245 by defeating Max Holloway and defended it five times, including two rematches against Holloway.
Whittaker has witnessed Volkanovski`s abilities many times and is not ready to dismiss him.
“The big question is which version of Volk will we see in the octagon at UFC 314?” Whittaker questioned. “People are already talking about his knockouts against Makhachev and Topuria, his age, and as is typical with MMA fans after a loss, they quickly mention his age and write him off, which is ridiculous. MMA fans can be both the best and worst.”
“The reality is he has been inactive for a while. He is entering this fight after two consecutive losses to Makhachev and Topuria, both being significant knockout defeats. His age is a factor. So, the question remains: which Volk will we see at UFC 314?”
“Diego is currently in very dangerous form,” Whittaker added. “I believe a ‘Makhachev 1 Volk’ would defeat Diego Lopes. Volk’s skills, composure, toughness, grit, fight IQ, and octagon presence are unmatched. But considering all the factors, it`s still uncertain which Volk will show up.”
Lopes is on a five-fight winning streak since a close short-notice debut loss to Movsar Evloev in 2023. His most recent victory was a dominant win over former title challenger Brian Ortega, yet he is considered a slight underdog against Volkanovski.
Whittaker believes this is reasonable and predicts Volkanovski will win by decision after a full fight.
“I see Volk entering the fight, utilizing his complete skillset, landing strikes, attempting takedowns, tiring out Diego Lopes, controlling him for five rounds, and winning by decision,” Whittaker said. “Or possibly finishing him in the later rounds.”
