Alexander Volkanovski is all set to face the powerful Brazilian striker, Diego Lopes, at UFC 314 on April 12 for the vacant 145lbs title. However, for Volkanovski it’s an opportunity to prove to the world that he still has a lot left in his gas tank.
With a tough 1-3 record in his last four fights and back-to-back knockout losses, doubts are creeping in about Alexander Volkanovski’s future at the top. Has “Old Man Volk” truly aged out of title contention, or does he still have one last championship run left in him?
Volkanovski had been unstoppable in the UFC, having already cleaned out the featherweight division by February 2023. However, his first taste of defeat came when he moved up to lightweight to challenge Islam Makhachev. He took a short-notice fight at UFC 294, only to be brutally stopped by a head kick from the Dagestani powerhouse. The loss to Ilia Topuria followed four months later, which ended Volk’s reign as a featherweight champion.
Luckily for the fans, ‘The Great’ has moved on from his setbacks and is looking forward to the challenge ahead of him.
While speaking on the ESPN MMA show to Brett Okamoto, the 36-year-old did agree to the fact that he had some serious questions leading to the fight. However, just like most great fighters, he has once again found a way to regain that self-belief. He said, ” In between the times, but having that break, I really was comfortable with just being me. And then I knew well there were questions, am I gonna be able to flip the switch? Am I gonna be the same guy once I flipped that switch? We found out that early, like we started a camp nice and early that we would.”
In the sport of MMA, age plays a huge role and Volkanovski is on the wrong side of it. He is facing an opponent who is one of the emerging talents in the division and is currently on an unbeaten run. While the fight is expected to be a tactical masterclass, many feel Lopes holds the upper hand in the clash. However, former UFC champion Michael Bisping feels a bit different. ‘The Count’ is rooting for the former champion at UFC 314.
Michael Bisping feels Alexander Volkanovski still has a lot left in him
For years, Alexander Volkanovski reigned supreme over the UFC’s featherweight division, carving out a legacy as one of the most dominant champions in the sport’s history. But just like most champions, he is facing a dip in his form which has forced many to believe that he is no longer a threat in the division. However, we all know that all it takes is one victory to turn all your critics into fans.
At 36 years old, ‘The Great’ is at the twilight of his career but Bisping feels he still can turn things around. He took to his YouTube channel and shared his opinion on the upcoming clash. Bisping said, “Do not let recency bias fool you. Yes, of course, in fight sports you’re only as good as your last fight. And the last few fights for Volkanovski haven’t gone his way, but he’s still that guy. He’s still got that dog in him. And I tell you what, he’s going to need it going up against Diego Lopes, and the best of luck to both men,”.
The ever-polite and good-natured Aussie is known for being one of the nicest guys in the sport. However, he transforms into a ruthless finisher once the cage door shuts. And despite recent setbacks, Volkanovski is convinced he still has the killer instinct needed to take down the relentless brawler, Lopes.
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