Alexander Volkanovsky down for Rodriguez or Ivroev after UFC 314

Miami – Alexander Volkanovsky is not fussy in his first title reign, and he carries the same energy towards his second.

Volkanovski (27-5 MMA, 14-4 UFC) won the open featherweight title on Saturday night, beating top contender Diego Lopes (27-7 MMA, 6-2 UFC) with unanimous decision at the major UFC 314 event at Kaseya Center.

The victory marks his second title reign as he was previously the UFC featherweight champion from 2019 to early 2024. Folkanovsky is pleased to be champion again, but is not completely satisfied with the way he accomplished it.

“I feel like he was a hit there. I feel like he can do more,” Volkanovski said at a press conference after the UFC 314 war. “I wasn’t pulling the trigger as much as I would have liked, and even if there was a shot, I just thrust a jab out and it was right away.

“I’ll see it, then we’ll see, but it’s obviously like everyone counts me, ‘Oh, has he finished?’ Obviously, I took some shots.

As far as the following, Volkanovski has recognized Movsar Evloev and Yair Rodriguez as two main candidates to become the next challenger.

“Yair said he wanted a title shot,” Volkanovski said. “He’s a good guy. I like him so much. If the UFC wants to give him that, I’m not going to stop it for him, but I honestly don’t think he’ll get a shot before that fight. I don’t think he’s calling it. The UFC says.”

For more information about the card, see the MMA Junkie Event Hub at UFC 314.