Alexander Volkanovski’s coach understands why Ilia Topuria opted to vacate his UFC featherweight title.
Topuria knocked out Volkanovski to say the 145-pound title at UFC 298, then defended it efficiently with a knockout of Max Holloway at UFC 308. Volkanovski (26-4 MMA, 13-3 UFC) was gearing up for a title-fight rematch in opposition to Topuria, however “El Matador” will now be making a everlasting transfer to light-weight.
Volkanovski’s head coach, Joe Lopez, thinks Topuria (16-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) is following the footsteps of the game’s greatest star.
“I spoke to his coaches and all the things else, however on all accounts I believe he he struggles to make that featherweight division,” Lopez informed Submission Radio. “I assume he’s gained that title, and he desires to comply with the identical path as (Conor) McGregor – and good luck to him if he makes that a lot cash. I’d do i,t as properly.”
With Topuria relinquishing his featherweight title, Volkanovski will meet Diego Lopes (26-6 MMA, 5-1 UFC) for the vacant belt within the UFC 314 major occasion April 12 at Kaseya Middle from Miami.
If Volkanovski is ready to recapture the title, Lopez would like to see a possible state of affairs the place he will get his rematch with Topuria at light-weight.
“Oh, one hundred pc, it might be a battle of ages, and I do know Volk desires to get that again,” Lopez stated. “He was fairly upset that Ilia pulled out as a result of Volk’s very proud, and he desires it again. He simply desires it again.
“Like I’ve stated, perhaps we got here again too early after the Islam (Makhachev) battle (at UFC 294) and Volk was somewhat bit gun shy, however we’re not right here to make excuses. However we’d actually wish to get that one again.”
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