Alexander Volkanovski is once again the UFC featherweight champion, but the big results were not easy.
“The Great” went with Diego Lopez in the main event of UFC 314 last Saturday in the UFC 314, with Volkanovski continuing to win a compelling decision, but he had to survive the horror of knockdowns in the second round and deal with gritty Lopez during the contest. Eventually, Volkanovski was awarded a vacant belt for his efforts, becoming a two-time UFC title holder.
According to Volkanovski head coach Joe Lopez, fighters have to deal with hand issues early in the fight, and could be an injury that puts Volkanovski on the shelf for the future of Foreseable.
“He may have broken his hand,” Lopez said. Submitted radio. “We still have to get that X-ray, so he hurt his hand.”
Lopez couldn’t remember exactly when Volkanovsky complained of discomfort, but believes that it must have been serious for the fighters to raise it. Overall, he is grateful that the tough battle did not hit Volkanovski’s health any further.
“I think it was early in the fight,” Lopez said. “Alex didn’t say anything. It was just the last time, he just said, ‘Look, I think I’ve crushed my hand.’ I can’t remember which round.
“He’s suffering a bit of leg pain, bumps and bruises after a five-round war with the warrior. You hurt.”
With Volkanovski returning to the top and former champion Ilia Topuria rising to light, the featherweight field is once again wide open, with many fresh challengers available to the Australian star. Lopez ran down several available names and knocked out Volkanovsky at UFC 298, referring to Volkanovsky’s desire to calm his score someday in Topullia.
“It’s not up to us,” Lopez said. “It’s up to Ilia and the UFC. I’m sure the UFC wants that fight, especially after Volk’s performance over the weekend. I know volk really wants that.
The rematch between Volkanovski is unlikely to be booked immediately, especially with viable candidates waiting in the wings. Undefeated Movsar Evloev is still waiting for his shot, and UFC 314 saw another candidate rushing through Bryce Mitchell and Jean Silva emerge.
Lopez spoke to both potential enemies.
“Realistically, (Evloev) deserves it, but there was no talk of him at all on the press,” Lopez said. “There was absolutely no real story about him. Everyone was talking about Yair (Rodriguez) and everyone except him. It’s a bit sad. He’s not very exciting and he’s not brought much to the table, but he’s undefeated, but he’s running.
“He’s definitely going to be a candidate in the future,” Lopez said of Silva. “He’s probably a couple of fights before we see him, but he’s doing a good run. He’s a character. He’s very respectful.