Alexander Volkanovski is well aware that in MMA, your recent performances heavily influence public perception.
Once considered by many to be the greatest featherweight ever, the former champion is heading into UFC 314 with significant questions surrounding his future. This comes after consecutive knockout defeats against Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria. At 36, Volkanovski is also at an age where lighter weight fighters often begin to decline. Therefore, he understands why many are questioning what he has left before his fight against rising contender Diego Lopes.
“I think many people will look at those losses and think it was a downturn, pointing to skill or other factors,” Volkanovski said in an interview. “The fight against Makhachev was on short notice. I wanted a high-risk, high-reward fight and believed I could win. It didn`t go my way. Then, with a quick turnaround, I got caught again by Topuria.”
“Many will look at that and think ‘he’s finished,’ and they are entitled to that opinion. But for me, based on my gym performance and preparation, I know I am not done. The only way to change everyone’s opinion is to go out there this weekend and remind them. That’s exactly what I intend to do.”
After the loss to Topuria in February, which followed a knockout by Makhachev just four months prior, Volkanovski deliberately took a year off to recover both physically and mentally.
During his time away, fighters like Lopes have rapidly climbed the featherweight rankings, generating considerable hype leading up to UFC 314 on Saturday.
However, Volkanovski assures that his absence wasn`t just a vacation. He has been consistently working behind the scenes to ensure his next fight doesn’t end like his previous two.
“Preparation is where you realize you still have it,” Volkanovski explained. “Many will look at the last two losses and the time off and easily say he’s done. But in the gym, I and my training partners know I’m not finished. Again, I can show everyone and remind them this weekend, and that’s the beauty of it.”
“People forget quickly, and that`s what we love about this sport, right? People can also be quickly reminded, and that’s exactly what’s going to happen this weekend.”
One disappointment surrounding his upcoming fight is that Volkanovski won’t get to avenge his loss to Topuria immediately, as Topuria vacated the featherweight title to move to 155 pounds.
Despite wanting a rematch with Topuria, Volkanovski isn’t overly upset because he is still facing a new challenge in Lopes, who has been outstanding in the featherweight division recently.
“I definitely wanted that rematch with Ilia to remind everyone and get that win back,” Volkanovski said. “But at least I still get to fight the new generation of fighter.”
“The sport has evolved, so I’m fighting a young, hungry guy who is on a roll, so I still get the next best thing for the vacant belt.”
