Alexander “The Great” Volkanovski created more history at UFC 314, by winning back his featherweight title by unanimous decision over Diego Lopes.
In his post-fight media scrum, the new champion felt that what he’s accomplished hasn’t fully sunk in yet.
“It’s pretty cool man you know, to come back, it’s pretty crazy really. It just hasn’t properly set in yet,” Volkanovski said.
Despite halting the rise of streaking Brazilian Lopes, who was riding a five-fight win streak coming into the bout, Volkanovski was adamant that he could’ve done more in the octagon.
MORE: UFC 314 results, highlights – Alex Volkanovski reclaims featherweight gold
“I felt like I could’ve done more out there, so I’m always my hardest critic, but everyone seems to be happy,” he said.
Heading into the fight, the Wollongong native said that his recent skid and time-off didn’t shake his mindset coming back to the cage.
“Even though I’m coming off the two losses, I didn’t really care about that. Going over there and just remembering what we want to do, you know, what he’s going to want to do. Just stick to it, just remember a couple of the things that we worked on,” he said.
“I took some shots as well and I didn’t go lights out, so that’s good. A lot of people were probably thinking that’s what would’ve happened. I guess I’m glad I got to feel that and bounce back from a bit of adversity.”
Volkanovski continued to speak about the adversity he had to overcome in this performance and how the example he was able to set, meant more than whatever the belt could provide.
“It’s not about bringing the belt back – it’s about overcoming adversity, these two losses, the break I had,” he said.
“Everyone has every right to count me out. Coming off two losses, a big break, 36-years-old, young, hungry, dangerous guy and I told you that you can definitely think that. You have every right until I change your mind,”
“It’s (the belt) just going to sit in the closet like the other one. But what it represents and what I’ve done is special, that’s special.”
MORE: Rogan slams ‘terrible’ stoppage at UFC 314
When asked about what’s next, the two-time featherweight champion reiterated his pre-fight desire to stay extremely active throughout 2025.
“A lot of people get up me for the short notice, but I’d do it again, you know what I mean. That’s how it is, a lot of people are going to carry on but that’s who I am,” he said.
“I told you that I still want to get straight back in there, I still do, but I’ve maybe got to look at a couple of things.
“If I’m good, maybe I get the fight in July, then we can make September.”
Since he is looking to be so active, there are a plethora of potential opponents for “The Great”. One of those names is former opponent, Yair Rodriguez, who scored a victory over Patricio Pitbull earlier on the card and proceeded to call out Volkanovski on the microphone.
“Now that he’s calling [me out], I’m not going to be the one that says no,” said Volkanovski.
“You’ve also got guys like Movsar [Evloev], who’s undefeated, I’d love to take that zero. We’ve got to see what the UFC say.”
Volkanovski’s legacy was already strong before UFC 314, but the way he conducted himself throughout the entirety of fight week only served to further exemplify why he is one of Australia’s greatest champions.
Read the full article here
