Former featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski has regained his featherweight title with a victory over Diego Lopes Saturday night as a part of the main event at UFC 314.
Volkanovski defeated Lopes via unanimous decision in Miami, 48-47, 49-46, and 49-46.
The bout between the two lived up to the hype with both fighters staying on their feet despite a nearly fight changing event from Lopes, dropping Volkanovski toward the end of the second round.
Volkanovski’s striking rate made all the difference moving forward to defeat Lopes despite being unable to find a landing for a knockout.
After the in, Volkanovski said, “It’s good to be back.”
Lopes did give his respects to Volkanovski but the fans clamored for more. They all wanted to know if this was the last, they had seen of Lopes.
“It was an honor to share the Octagon with Alexander Volkanovski,” Lopes said. “I’ll be back.”
Volkanovski, 36 is now the first UFC fighter under 155-pounds to win a title belt over the age of 35. He is just the second featherweight to reclaim a title after losing it, joining Jose Aldo.
Clearly, Volkanovski taking a 14-month break from competition, the longest of his career, paid off.
