Alexander Volkanovski is well aware of the `what have you done for me lately` nature of MMA.
Once considered by many to be the greatest featherweight ever, Volkanovski, now the former champion, faces his UFC 314 fight with significant questions about his future. Coming off consecutive knockout losses to Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria, and at 36 years old, an age where lighter weight fighters can decline, Volkanovski understands why many are questioning his capabilities before his bout with rising contender Diego Lopes.
“I think many will look at these losses and see it as a downturn, pointing to skills and other factors,” Volkanovski mentioned on First Take. “The Makhachev fight was on short notice, a high-risk, high-reward opportunity I was ready for, but it didn`t go my way. Then, a quick turnaround and I got caught again by Topuria.”
“Many will conclude ‘he’s finished,’ and they are entitled to that opinion. However, based on my gym performance and preparation, I know I’m not done. The only way to change perceptions is to go out there this weekend and remind everyone. That’s exactly my plan.”
Following the loss to Topuria in February, just four months after the Makhachev knockout, Volkanovski intentionally took a year off to recover physically and mentally.
During his absence, fighters like Lopes have rapidly climbed the featherweight rankings, generating considerable hype leading up to UFC 314 this Saturday.
Volkanovski assures that his time off was not just a break, and he has been diligently working to ensure his next fight doesn`t mirror his previous two.
“Preparation is where you realize you still have it,” Volkanovski explained. “People will focus on the last two losses and the time off, easily assuming I’m done. But in the gym, I and my training partners know I’m not. I can prove it to everyone this weekend, and that’s the exciting part.
“People tend to forget quickly, which is part of why we love this sport. But they can also be reminded just as quickly, and that’s what I intend to do this weekend.”
One disappointment surrounding his upcoming fight is that Volkanovski won`t immediately get to avenge his loss to Topuria, who vacated the featherweight title to move to 155 pounds.
While he desired a rematch with Topuria, Volkanovski isn`t overly upset as he still faces a fresh 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 stated. “But at least I still get to fight the new generation of fighter.
“The sport is evolving, and I’m fighting a young, hungry guy on a roll, so I still have the next best thing for the vacant belt.”
