Everyone is happy for Alexander Volkanovski. After enduring brutal losses that would usually put a fighter out of commission, ‘The Great’ overcame all odds to beat a tough opponent like Diego Lopes to win back the UFC featherweight title. It was a truly emotional journey for ‘Volk’, who said to Rogan in Octagon, “Hey, adversity is a privilege. You hear people talk about that all the time. It truly is. This moment is incredible.” It truly was an incredible moment. His opponent had nothing but respect, and even a past two-time opponent couldn’t hold back from wishing the Aussie 2-time champ well.
After the battle, Diego Lopes took to his X handle to appreciate Volkanovski as the champion, “Congrats @alexvolkanovski and thank for this fight.” ‘The Great’ reacted to the post with his own words of appreciation for Lopes, “You’re an incredible fighter and human being, brother. Wish you nothing but the best.” Absolute class from two of the biggest stars of the division.
Well, that’s not all — lightweight champion and Alexander Volkanovski’s former foe, Islam Makhachev, even congratulated ‘The Great’ on his victory. Islam Makhachev took to his X handle to express his administration, “Congrats @alexvolkanovski great comeback! Real champ in sports and life.” Responding to such words, Volkanosi added, “Thank you, brother.”
Alexander Volkanovski’s first reign as champion came to an end when he was brutally KO’d by Ilia Topuria last year at UFC 298, and this was on the heels of his knockout loss to Islam Makhachev at UFC 294. ‘The Great’ took a year off from the world of fighting before returning to the Octagon in an attempt to reclaim his title—and he certainly came back improved. Diego Lopes felt his comeback in full force. So how did he react to losing his second UFC bout?
“I fell short”: Diego Lopes after UFC 314 battle against Alexander Volkanovski
Diego Lopes didn’t win the featherweight gold last night, but that doesn’t mean that he will bow his head in shame. The Brazilian-Mexican fighter went toe-to-toe against arguably one of the best featherweights to have ever walked on the face of the earth, for five rounds and nearly finished him in the fifth round. Their battle was nothing but a classic between a veteran and an up-and-comer; however, Volkanovski’s experience clinched the victory from Lopes’s clutches.
Taking to his social media, Diego Lopes addressed the media by stating that he might have fallen short in his fight, but this was necessary: “Always with my head held high, a smile on my face,” Lopes said. “I fell short last night, I failed in a few things. I’ll get back to work, improve, correct the mistakes, and move forward. Thank you all for your support. As I always say, “NOTHING HAPPENS.”
Fighting five rounds against Alexander Volkanovski is no small feat, and nearly dominating him is an achievement in itself. ‘The Great’ in his statement even emphasized that he was not expecting Lopes to throw such heavy shots, “Like I said, that was my plan. Bang, bang, bang. But I didn’t expect to get hit this much. Credit to f—– Diego.”
As Lopes lost his battle, new doors have opened for him. Who should he fight next? Let us know in the comments down below.
The post All Is Well With Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes While Islam Makhachev Gets a Reply From 2X Champ at UFC 314 appeared first on EssentiallySports.