Volk Vs. Lopes Interim Title Tilt? ‘You Never Know’

Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

Alexander Volkanovski is seeking two-time Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) status.

The last two fights for Australia’s “Great” did not have positive results. First suffering a first round head kick knockout loss in his rematch against Lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev (watch highlights), Volkanovski then lost his Featherweight title in defense to the undefeated Ilia Topuria (watch highlights).

As one of the greatest champions in UFC history, especially at Featherweight, Volkanovski believes he deserves an instant shot back at the title he held since December 2019. However, Topuria is currently tied up with Volkanovski’s old rival, Max Holloway, who he’ll defend against at UFC 308 next month (Sat., Oct. 26, 2024). Diego Lopes has since emerged as the clear possible next contender, winning his fifth straight with a unanimous decision over two-time title challenger, Brian Ortega, at UFC 306 this past weekend (Sept. 14, 2024).

“Lopes — massive win. Both two top dudes. I like both of them, so whoever was going to win, I was going to be happy for,” Volkanovski said on his YouTube channel (h/t MMA Junkie). “Lopes is right up there now. I’m guessing he’ll be ranked [No.] 3.

“Obviously, my next fight is for the title, depending on what happens,” he continued. “Are there injuries in the Max and Ilia fight? Who knows what’s going to happen. Could there be an interim with someone like Lopes? You never know, so we’ll see what happens.”

Regardless of how things shake out at Featherweight, Volkanovski is adamant he’ll be fighting for a title when he returns to the Octagon.

“My next fight is for the title,” Volkanovski said. “But if they can’t do that soon enough, say if Max wins, is he going to go to lightweight and do BMF? Is there going to be an interim fight? I haven’t had them proper discussions, so I’ll get back to the UFC and have a proper chat with them. All I know is that my next fight is for the title.”