Despite being on a two-fight losing streak, Alexander Volkanovski doesn’t think that anybody, other than his former foe and reigning UFC lightweight champion, can give him a tough challenge for 25 minutes. “The only person that I can see giving me a tough fight for five rounds is Islam Makhachev,” ‘The Great’ stated over a week ago during an interview ahead of his fight against Diego Lopes at UFC 314. And, it seems like Volkanovski has a pretty good reason behind that claim when it comes to his Brazilian counterpart.
The former featherweight king didn’t just lose two fights in a row, he also had a gnarly elbow injury even before he dropped the title to Ilia Topuria at UFC 298. “Alex couldn’t use his left arm for probably three-quarters of the camp because he had bits of broken bone in his elbow,” his coach, Joe Lopez, stated in 2024. Hence, there’s a certain level of concern regarding how well the Aussie ace can perform this weekend since he’s been on a year-long break.
Despite the doubts surrounding his return, ‘The Great’ seems ready physically and mentally to get back inside the Octagon with just a few days to go for the featherweight title fight, and he even has a game plan to nullify Diego Lopes at UFC 314. As we all know, Lopes has a pretty aggressive approach to his fighting game. The Brazilian uses his high-pressure and relentless tactics to find that chance to finish his opponent.
Volkanovski recognizes the danger Diego Lopes’ style poses. But in the same way, he also claimed that it could be the factor that could cost the 30-year-old the chance to clinch the strap. As much as his style increases his chances of finishing his opponent, it also allows others to find an opening as well. And it seems that Volkanovski is aiming to keep his composure and beat Lopes in his own game.
“He’s dangerous, you know. He’s very aggressive, and his aggression is going to be the danger factor here. Even though I feel like it can be his demise, right? This is something that I can capitalize on. I still think that’s his best chance,” Alexander Volkanovski told ‘SHAK MMA’. “He’s going to look for the finish. Yeah, he can get caught in the process, but his chances of catching you might go up a little bit because he’s willing to take whatever opportunity he can to put your lights out. But that’s what I feel like I’m going to be able to calculate.”
UFC 284 PERTH, Alex Volkanovski of Australia is seen before his fight with Islam Makhachev of Russia for the Lightweight title bout at UFC 284 at RAC Arena in Perth, Sunday, February 12, 2023. ACHTUNG: NUR REDAKTIONELLE NUTZUNG, KEINE ARCHIVIERUNG UND KEINE BUCHNUTZUNG PERTH WESTERN AUSTRALIA AUSTRALIA PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xRICHARDxWAINWRIGHTx 20230212001762836770
Well, given that it’s the biggest fight in Diego Lopes’ career, he might be making some alterations to his game plan. However, Volkanovski doesn’t think that will help, and he’s got a reason for that as well. Here’s what he had to say!
It’s too late for Diego Lopes to devise new tactics, claims Alexander Volkanovski
Every fighter has a way of dealing with opponents that just works for them, and for Diego Lopes, things aren’t any different. Alexander Volkanovski has already analyzed his current game plan, and as per the Aussie MMA legend, going for a new game plan where he decides to stretch the fight till the very end of the 25 minutes in such a limited time will only bring more misery to Lopes.
“If he wants to change his style, and then all of a sudden wants to be strategic and play a really long game, I think that’s just so much worse for him,” the former featherweight champion added. However, Diego Lopes doesn’t seem fazed by the challenge at all. The 30-year-old recently mentioned during an interview that he’s “ready for Volkanovski’s best version.”
Well, we’ll get all our answers and see how both fighters use their game plan when the cage doors close this weekend at UFC 314. In the meantime, let us know your thoughts in the comments down below.
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