Alexander Volkanovski is already looking ahead to his second reign as featherweight champion.
‘The Great’ hasn’t fought since losing the 145lb belt in a brutal knockout loss to Ilia Topuria at UFC 298 in February 2024.
Since then, ‘El Matador’ has relinquished his title, announced a move to lightweight, and teased big fight news.
Alexander Volkanovski will face Diego Lopes for the vacant featherweight belt at UFC 314 on April 12
- READ MORE: Alexander Volkanovski makes bold prediction ahead of Alex Pereira vs Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313
Alexander Volkanovski offered $1 million bet
On Friday, Volkanovski and Lopes came face-to-face for the first time at a UFC 314 press conference.
Undercard fighters Bryce Mitchell and Jean Silva somewhat stole the show by beefing onstage in Las Vegas.
However, Volkanovski had his moments as he sung to Lopes before seemingly setting up his next fight.
Former two-weight Bellator champion Patricio Freire is set to make his company debut at UFC 314.
‘Pitbull’ made his presence felt at the event by reminding Volkanovski of a $1 million proposal he previously made.
“Listen, when I was in another organization, I made a bet with Volkanovski,” Freire said in Portuguese.
“I said, ‘One million bucks if you or I win’.
“I know we have got fights coming up, but maybe down the line you wanna keep that bet open?”
Volkanovski didn’t respond to the $1 million offer, but he welcomed a future fight with ‘Pitbull’.
“If you put on a good performance,” the Aussie fan favorite responded.
“Like I said, I’m expecting to defend my belt a couple of times this year.
“If you do a good job, I’ll see you then.”
Alexander Volkanovski predicts UFC 313 main event
On Saturday night, Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev will battle for light heavyweight gold.
Israel Adesanya has publicly backed his long-time rival to knock Ankalaev out at UFC 313.
Volkanovski has also shared his thoughts on the biggest UFC fight of the year so far.
“[Alex Pereira’s] very dangerous because he puts the pressure on and he can flick stuff out untelegraphed and set things up offensively and then on the counter, very, very, very good on the counter,” he said on his YouTube channel.
“Hard, hard fight for Ankalaev to stay on the feet. [Ankalaev’s] gonna wanna take it down, he will try and take it down, he might get takedowns
“I don’t see him being able to submit Pereira unless Pereira gives something up in his process to building up
“I’m gonna go with a favorite on this one, Alex Pereira, KO. I’m gonna go with KO/TKO. I think with him, it’s always a pretty safe bet… I don’t think it’s gonna be early rounds. I’m thinking maybe second or third round TKO.”