“I’m ready for Volkanovski’s best version,” roared Diego Lopes, the Brazilian warrior eyeing the featherweight crown at UFC 314 in Miami. Riding the wave of five consecutive victories, Lopes oozes confidence from his words, eager to snatch the title from Alexander Volkanovski’s grasp. With the showdown fast approaching, fans are buzzing with excitement. But amidst the anticipation, a sense of unease lingers among Volkanovski’s loyal supporters. Why? Let’s find out.
Ilia Topuria relinquished his featherweight title, giving Volkanovski a chance to reclaim his title, however, what stands in his way is a man who has been knocking out his opponent front and back. With the hunger to excel, the Brazilian will be looking forward to becoming the featherweight champ. Interestingly, Lopes has all the necessary tools to defeat ‘The Great’. How do we know? Well, his teammate has come forward to give a necessary update about his training.
To better understand Alexander Volkanovski’s fighting style, Diego Lopes is training alongside Austin Bashi, whose reach, height, and fighting style closely resemble those of ‘The Great’. Talking to the media, Bashi stated, “I have been watching Volkanovski since the beginning of his career and his style and I have really studied him before coming here and I’m trying to play his style. I have the same height as him. Same exact reach. I’m trying to get the best looks for Diego.”
Alexander Volkanovski ruled the featherweight division until UFC 298, when he crossed paths against Ilia Topuria. Many believe that his short-notice fight against Islam Makhachev at UFC 294 triggered the timeline that cost his belt. Now the former champ is willing to step back inside the Octagon, however, as he is prepping up for the fight, there looms the dangers of losing.
Unlike Volkanovski, Diego Lopes is riding a comfortable five-fight losing streak and is hungry to taste the featherweight title. Interestingly, in his statement to the media, the Brazilian has asserted that he is already ready to take on ‘The Great’.
Diego Lopes is ready to take on Alexander Volkanovski’s “best version”
“I’m sure he’s expecting to go out there and win the belt, but I’m sorry mate, that ain’t happening,” said Alexander Volkanovski in his YouTube handle as he commented on Diego Lopes’ fighting style. The Brazilian is known for his precision striking abilities; his battle against Brian Ortega was one of his most highlighted fights due to his dominance.
Volkanovski is critical of Lopes, however, Lopes, on the other hand, has already made a game plan to take the belt away from his clutches. While having a conversation with the media, the Brazilian asserted, “I think (Volkanovski) might go in there and look to do a mix of his game because a lot of people are still complaining that I might not have the cardio for five rounds. People are still hanging on to what happened in the fight against Dan Ige, which I slowed down. But that’s ok. People have mouths, and they’ll say whatever they want. I’m ready for Volkanovski’s best version.”
Diego Lopes is unfazed by fans’ opinions on the fight’s conclusion. The Brazilian acknowledges Alexander Volkanovski as one of the most formidable fighters, but he remains determined to execute his plan!
How do you think the fight would pan out? Let us know in the comments below.
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