The UFC’s featherweight division has been completely shaken up following some major announcements.
Diego Lopes previously found himself in a bit of a difficult position at the top of the 145-pound weight class.
The 30-year-old rising star has won five fights in a row with wins over the likes of Dan Ige and Brian Ortega earning him the #3-ranking but Lopes was still just outside of the title picture.
With a rematch between Ilia Topuria and Alexander Volkanovski seemingly being on the cards, it left the Brazilian fan favorite waiting on the side lines.
That was until the major news came that Topuria had vacated the title in order to move up to lightweight which he has spoken about extensively since beating Max Holloway at UFC 308.
Diego Lopes reacts to UFC 314 vacant title fight with Alexander Volkanovski being made official
Via an Instagram Live, Dana White announced that headlining UFC 314 in Miami will be a vacant featherweight title fight between Diego Lopes and Alexander Volkanovski.
Considering the title reign that he produced before losing the belt to Ilia Topuria at UFC 298 last year, it only made sense that Volkanovski would get a rematch.
With ‘El Matador’ moving on from 145-pounds, the former champion will now take on the most in-form contender in the division.
Lopes gave his reaction to the fight being made official via several posts on social media as he reflected on a whirlwind UFC career since signing with the promotion just two years ago to make a late notice debut.
After posting the official graphic for the April 12 headliner alongside the caption, “Dream, Believe and Make It Happen”, Lopes repeated the same phrase in a follow-up statement.
“I have worked like no one else in recent years, I have accepted challenges and dares that the UFC has put in front of me, I have said yes in every situation, even when it was not favorable for me. In less than 2 years within the UFC I will have my opportunity for the title. I will not fail. Dream, believe and make it happen. #AndNew”
Diego Lopes and Alexander Volkanovski is a homerun matchup
Make no mistake about it, just because this fight is for a vacant title doesn’t mean that it is any less desirable now that Ilia Topuria has left the division.
Diego Lopes has won over so many fans with his exciting style that constantly sees him pursuing the finish with his heavy hands and excellent submission skills.
On the other hand, Alexander Volkanovski has a real claim to be the greatest featherweight of all time alongside former opponents of his like Jose Aldo and Max Holloway.
‘The Great’ now has the chance to turn back the clock at 36-years-old but to do it, he will need to halt the barrelling momentum of one of the most exciting additions to the UFC in recent years.