When Alex Volkanovski announced that he would be defending the featherweight belt against Diego Lopes, news also began to circulate that this would be his last fight in the UFC. However, In recent days the Australian has abandoned the possibility of continuing. In fact, it appears the fighter would consider moving back to lightweight.
The 145-pound champion’s comments were published in Australian media, in which he did not give up on another confrontation with Topuria or Makhachev. “I would love a rematch and bring back these victories, like with Islam Makhachev or Topuria. But I’m very realistic. I understand that can’t be the case now, I can’t ask for a champion versus champion fight. Maybe after Diego Lopes,” the fighter said.
When Volkanovski lost to Makhachev and Topuria, his career seemed over. The Australian had suffered two consecutive knockouts and his chin seemed to be weakening. However, his victory in his first fight with Diego Lopes by unanimous decision showed that he was not finished. This success came by decision and “the big one” absorbed all the blows he received and was once again proclaimed champion.
Chances of a rematch against Topuria or Makhachev seem low. The Hispanic-Georgian is stepping away from the octagons to deal with his family issues and the UFC has put an interim belt in his category up for grabs. On the other hand, Makhachev He just moved up to welterweight and is not willing to move down to lightweight. Additionally, the competition in the 170-pound category is currently fierce. A fight with Volkanovski instead of a fight with Ian Machado Garry or Morales would not be understood.
Regardless, Volkanovski’s next engagement will be at UFC 325 in early February. This is a controversial fight because there are other fighters who seem to deserve it more than Diego Lopes.. The Brazilian has just beaten Mauricio Ruffy by KO. However, Evloev remains undefeated in the division.
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