Topuria Vacates Title – Volkanovski vs. Lopes Done
Ilia Topuria has vacated his UFC Featherweight Title, allowing Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes to fight for the full belt at UFC 314.
Reports indicate the fight will take place on April 12 from the Kaseya Center in Miami. Topuria won the belt after knocking out Volkanovski at UFC 298. It ended Volk’s four-year stint as champion as he suffered his first stoppage defeat at the weight class. Ilia made a successful defense of the belt by stopping Max Holloway in his last fight at UFC 308. In his post-fight comments, he was joined by Volk.
The champion told the Australian they would have a rematch, saying he deserved it. But that has now changed as Topuria will move up to lightweight. The Georgian is hoping to secure a lightweight fight with Islam Makhachev. The latter has previously said he is not interested in the fight since he has his own ambitions of being a two-weight champion. But if the terms are right, fans could see that fight.
“He feels like he’s cemented his legacy and his body cannot make the weight anymore,” Dana White said
What’s Next?
Volkanovski has the chance to reclaim his title and end his poor run of form. He has three losses from his previous four fights. That includes KO losses to Makhachev and Topuria. He was the champion from 2019-2024, having defended the belt five times. Lopes is in great form. He has won his last five bouts, beating Brian Ortega at UFC 306 in his latest fight.
“Lopes is obviously a dangerous dude. A bit of a different matchup to Ilia. Obviously, they are both dangerous fighters. Yeah, I’m really looking forward to this one and feeling excited. I’m feeling great and I’m only going to get better from here, so that’s a scary thing, especially for Lopes. I think Lopes is in for a very, very hard fight. He’s a gamer.
“He’s a great dude. I’ve got a lot of respect for him. A very nice fella. I’m sure he’s expecting to go out there and win the belt, but I’m sorry, mate, that ain’t happening. Good on you for being in this position. I’m happy you’re getting the opportunity to fight for the belt, but I’m still here and you ain’t having it. Sorry, mate,” Volkanovski said
In chief support, Paddy Pimblett faces Michael Chandler. Pimblett is 6-0, having secured a win over his first-ranked opponent in King Green at UFC 304. Chandler is hoping to put his Charles Oliveira loss behind him, as he has just two wins from six UFC fights.
Full Card
Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes – for the vacant featherweight title
Michael Chandler vs. Paddy Pimblett
Patricio Freire vs. Yair Rodriguez
Geoff Neal vs. Carlos Prates
Nikita Krylov vs. Dominick Reyes
Dan Ige vs. Sean Woodson
Virna Jandiroba vs. Yan Xiaonan
Chase Hooper vs. Jim Miller
Alberto Montes vs. Roberto Romero
Su Mudaerji vs. Mitch Raposo
Darren Elkins vs. Julian Erosa
Sedriques Dumas vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk
Find all the latest boxing news and MMA breaking updates on boxingnews.com.
