Alexander Volkanovski has shared his thoughts on the huge featherweight clash that just happened in San Antonio.
Following UFC 319 last month, it already looked like Volkanovski’s next challenger may have already been lined up for him.
However, a highly anticipated main event between two of the most popular and entertaining fighters on the roster had the potential to change the direction on September 13.
Noche UFC saw Diego Lopes finish Jean Silva in the second round following a predictably wild encounter between the two contenders.
In a video on his YouTube channel, ‘The Great’ shared his instant reaction to what went down on Saturday night.
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Alexander Volkanovski talks potential Diego Lopes rematch even if it might not make sense
It seemed like the only way that the main event of Noche UFC was going to alter Alexander Volkanovski’s plans for his first title defense was if Jean Silva produced another highlight win.
Silva suffering a defeat seemingly pushed Lerone Murphy further into pole position as Volkanovski’s next challenger following his stunning knockout win in Chicago last month.
However, Volkanovski laid out a scenario where this might not be the case.
‘The Great’ spoke on his YouTube channel about the UFC waiting for this fight to play out before they made their decision on what the next title fight will be.
“I think the UFC were waiting to see what happens with Jean Silva and Diego [Lopes]. I know Lerone Murphy’s obviously one guy that’s coming off of a big KO against [Aaron] Pico. I obviously said to that one, ‘Yeah, see ya later’, but then we were waiting around to see what happened with this fight. So, I don’t know.”
While Volkanovski admitted that it might not make sense for him to fight Lopes again so soon after beating him earlier this year, he did point out several factors that could lead to a rematch.
The featherweight champion noted two factors that may work in Lopes’ favor, his relationship with the UFC and the fact that he just produced another highlight win.
“Does Diego get a rematch? Crazy win like that, wild fashion again, doing what he always does. I know the UFC absolutely love him. Whether they push for him, we’ll see what happens but either way, you guys know me, whoever it is, it is. I’ll just sit back and see what the UFC say.”
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Alexander Volkanovski shares what surprised him about Diego Lopes’ Noche UFC win
Having shared the Octagon with Diego Lopes in April, Alexander Volkanovski has first-hand experience of how dangerous and durable the featherweight contender is.
‘The Great’ admitted in his reaction video that there was one aspect of the Noche UFC main event that surprised him on September 13.
In a back and forth clash, it was Lopes that started strongest before Silva fought his way back into the matchup in the second round, only to be caught with a huge elbow that led to the finish.
“I didn’t expect Diego to look so dominant early. I knew Diego’s chin would probably hold up but I thought Jean Silva might land big on him early and then maybe tire and then Diego come on in the later rounds or something like that.
“I didn’t expect him to just grab a hold of him and just almost ragdoll him… Quite surprising how sort of easy it was for Diego to control him.”