Alexander Volkanovski reclaimed the vacant featherweight title with a hard-fought five-round victory over Diego Lopes, becoming a two-time UFC champion. This win makes him just the second fighter after Jose Aldo to win the featherweight title twice, and the first over the age of 35 to capture a belt in the lighter weight classes. The performance sparked a wave of reactions from UFC fighters and analysts across the MMA world.
Volkanovski set the tone from the start with crisp striking and total control, though Lopes had a standout moment in the fourth, landing heavy shots. Still, Volkanovski kept his composure and closed the fight like a seasoned pro. Reacting to the bout, his likely next title challenger Movsar Evloev gave props to ‘The Great’ on X, posting:
“Congratulations on an excellent performance, you’re a true champion! Now let’s see what your word is worth! @alexvolkanovski #UFC314”
Congratulations on an excellent performance, you’re a true champion! Now let’s see what your word is worth! @alexvolkanovski #UFC314
— Movsar Evloev (@MovsarUFC) April 13, 2025
Former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling also showed love to Volkanovski, calling him “The King.” Taking to X, he wrote: “The King is back!! Great fight men, Lopez and Volkanovski! #UFC314.”
The King is back!! Great fight men, Lopez and Volkanovski! #UFC314
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) April 13, 2025
Henry Cejudo seemed a bit unsure about the scorecards but ultimately praised Volkanovski’s performance. Posting on X, he wrote: “3-2 or 4-1 Volk. Championship experience prevailed #UFC314.”
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3-2 or 4-1 Volk. Championship experience prevailed #UFC314
— Henry Cejudo (@HenryCejudo) April 13, 2025
One popular MMA social media content creator jumped in on the post-fight buzz, calling for the UFC to waste no time in setting up Volkanovski’s next title defense. They posted: “UFC needs to book Volkanovski vs Evloev ASAP. Book it!”
Volkanovski vs Evloev ASAP book it
— THE MMA GURU (@THATBOYMMAGURU) April 13, 2025
Evloev doesn't need to earn it anymore, should go above Lopes now that he lost to Volk. Book it for September or August #UFC314
What’s Next For UFC Champ Alexander Volkanovski?
Volkanovski once again proved why he’s considered one of the greatest featherweights of all time. In a dominant performance, he secured a unanimous decision win over Diego Lopes with scorecards reading 48-47, 49-46, and 49-46. ‘The Great’ controlled most of the fight, although there was a tense moment when Lopes landed a big shot that nearly knocked him out.
Now a two-time featherweight champion, Volkanovski’s future seems to be lining up as he had previously mentioned his intention to defend the title against Movsar Evloev. After the fight, Evloev took to social media to congratulate him and cheekily asked how much Volkanovski’s words were worth now. While an official announcement hasn’t been made yet, the buzz around this potential matchup is strong.
Fans are celebrating the return of the beloved champion and eagerly awaiting confirmation of his next title defense. Whoever stands across from him next, it’s sure to be a thrilling chapter in the featherweight division.
