At the age of thirty-six, can Volkanovski string together another championship run? Alexander Volkanovski is coming off two devastating losses to Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria. The question posits intrigue among fans and analysts that wonder whether Alexander “The Great” can remind the world why he is the most decorated Featherweight champion in history.
Not many fighters have accomplished the feat of winning a world championship post thirty-five. Volk is looking to join rare company, according to multiple sources circulating the internet, the statistics don’t favor fighters thirty-five and up from 125 lbs to 170 lbs (Bronsteter. A, 2024). There is no doubt that Volk is one of the most skilled and well-rounded fighters currently, but wear and tear is a factor after many grueling camps and many title defenses and this would mark his 10th consecutive title fight. Diego Lopes is at the ripe age of thirty and is on an amazing run. His recent win against Brian Ortega showcased his relentlessness and willingness to look for finishes with thunderous power. Unfortunately, that finish didn’t materialize due to Ortega’s incredible chin and durability. The fight game as we know is layered and complex especially within the context of the sport of MMA and can be broken down into multiple facets which will be analyzed.
Fighter Profiles
Alexander Volkanovski
Alexander Volkanovski: “The great” has put together quite the hall of fame career and has created a legacy that will stand the test of time in the Featherweight division. As mentioned before come Saturday night Volkanovski will have participated in ten consecutive title fights which is nothing to scoff at. Volk has amassed a record of 26 wins and 4 defeats with five successful defenses during his tenure in the UFC. He stands 5’6” with an approximate reach of 71 and a half inches (UFC Stats, 2025).
Diego Lopes
Diego Lopes: The Brazilian has an impressive record of 26 wins and 6 defeats. He will be walking into the cage with a considerable height advantage at 5’11” and a slight reach advantage at 72 inches. He is well-rounded with 10 wins by knockout and 12 by submission (ESPN MMA, 2025). Diego has warranted himself a title shot by riding a five-fight winning streak and dominating a former title challenger in Brian Ortega (UFC Stats, 2025).
Fight Dynamics
Striking
Striking: Volkanovski is largely known for his polished technique and switch-hitting style through his years spent between camps such as Tiger Muay Thai and City Kickboxing. While both fighters are hittable, Volkanovski has shown more accuracy throughout his career at 56 percent and lands at a 6.16 per minute rate, Lopes is quite accurate as well with a 53 percent connection rate but lands at a lesser rate at 4.20 per minute. Lopes is known for his relentless approach and aggressive fight style that can result in wild exchanges. Volk is not easy to hit, and this will surely be an intriguing element in this matchup. Will Volk’s striking create a matador versus bull encounter? In my opinion I give the edge to Volkanovski (UFC Stats, 2025).
Grappling
Grappling: Diego Lopes is the better grappler particularly when the fight hits the mat, but Volkanovski is not easy to takedown as Islam Makhachev found out during their fights at 155 and the fight could potentially stay standing. Diego Lopes is known for his excellent Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and dangerous submission abilities. He has quite an advantage in this department.
Experience
Experience: Alexander Volkanovski has been in many title fights over the course of his career and has fought in numerous grueling five-round bouts against former champions like Max Holloway and Islam Makhachev. Given Volk’s track record, it would be wise for Diego Lopes to start aggressively as he usually does to exploit Volkanovski’s age and recent vulnerabilities he has shown in his outings against Ilia and Islam. There are strong possibilities and indications that Alexander Volkanovski may not be as durable as he once was with recent knockout losses. An early finish would be ideal because if Diego cannot find that opportunity, then it’s likely Volkanovski’s experience and fight IQ will carry him through this fight.
Alexander Volkanovski versus Diego Lopes will be an exciting fight to determine the direction of the Featherweight division and whether Volkanovski truly has what it takes to regain the throne and add to what is an already impressive hall of fame career. On the other hand, Diego has a chance to prove once again that the younger generation is presently here and is willing to take the mantle from former legends that have paved the way for fighters like Diego Lopes. April 12th,2025 will be an exciting night for fight fans around the world.
References
(UFC Stats, 2025) UFC stats. Retrieved from http://ufcstats.com/fighter-details/e1248941344b3288
(UFC Stats, 2025) UFC stats. Retrieved from http://ufcstats.com/fighter-details/f166e93d04a8c274
(Bronsteter. A, 2024) The Championship Expiration Date: Can Volkanovski buck trend at UFC 298? Retrieved from https://www.sportsnet.ca/ufc/article/the-championship-expiration-date-can-volkanovski-buck-trend-at-ufc-2
(Mahjouri. S, 2025) UFC 314 — Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes: Fight card, odds, date, rumors, location, complete guide. Image retrieved UFC 314 — Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes: Fight card, odds, date, rumors, location, complete guide – CBSSports.com
(ESPN MMA, 2025) ESPN MMA Fighter Stats. Retrieved from https://www.espn.com/mma/fighter/_/id/4881999/diego-lopes
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