Alexander Volkanovski is ready to destroy Diego Lopes and his world championship dream.
The MMA world was rocked by Dana White announcing a ton of massive news on Wednesday evening.
Most notably, the UFC boss revealed that 16-0 superstar Ilia Topuria has vacated his featherweight title.
White also confirmed that 145lb gold will be on the line when Volkanovski vs Lopes headlines UFC 314 in Miami on April 12.
Alexander Volkanovski sends message to Diego Lopes
Alexander Volkanovski hasn’t fought since Ilia Topuria knocked him out cold to become a champion at UFC 298 last February.
That fight followed another bad KO loss to lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, but ‘The Great’ still considers himself one of the very best fighters on the planet, who is more than capable of handling Diego Lopes.
“Lopes is obviously a dangerous dude,” Volkanovski said on his YouTube channel.
“A bit of a different matchup to Ilia. Obviously, they are both dangerous fighters. Yeah, I’m really looking forward to this one and feeling excited. I’m feeling great and I’m only going to get better from here, so that’s a scary thing, especially for Lopes.
“I think Lopes is in for a very, very hard fight. He’s a gamer. He’s a great dude. I’ve got a lot of respect for him. A very nice fella. I’m sure he’s expecting to go out there and win the belt, but I’m sorry, mate, that ain’t happening.
“Good on you for being in this position. I’m happy you’re getting the opportunity to fight for the belt, but I’m still here and you ain’t having it. Sorry, mate.”
Diego Lopes promises to deliver at UFC 314
Lopes focused on his fans as he sent a social media message after news of his UFC title shot broke.
The 30-year-old initially shared a fight poster, with the caption: “UFC 314 Featherweight championship Lopes vs Volkanovski April 13, Miami, Florida. Dream, Believe and Make It Happen”
Lopes followed that up with a promise to make the most of his opportunity by beating Volkanovski at UFC 314.
“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,” he tweeted. “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”