“I know a lot of people are going to bring up the losses like I want the bounce-back [win] because of the losses… And that excites me to go out there and show them because I know I’m going to go out there and I’m bringing that belt back to Australia.” Alexander Volkanovski told ESPN ahead of his UFC 314 title fight with Diego Lopes. The Miami PPV extravaganza will mark a new chapter for the Brazilian contender but for Volkanovski, it’s more than just a chapter—it’s the redemption of what he lost!

‘The Great’ was surely on the path of becoming the greatest 145lbs kingpin of all time, seemingly unstoppable during a 22-fight winning streak. But that momentum was halted by the Dagestani phenom Islam Makhachev. Now, after consecutive losses to Makhachev and Ilia Topuria, the Aussie is determined to right the wrongs and silence the doubters. Ahead of this title bout, the former champ linked up with the current WBO and Ring Magazine junior welterweight champion Teofimo Lopez.

The elite duo exchanged thoughts on their upcoming bouts, with ‘Volk’ revealing that his current training camp has stretched to an intense 16 weeks. The Aussie also admitted he’s at his lightest weight in quite some time, hinting at a focused and finely tuned preparation. Meanwhile, Lopes is riding a five-fight win streak and is hungry for the moment that could change his life forever. He’s poured everything into this opportunity, and at UFC 314 media day, his message was crystal clear: “I prepared for finishing the fight.” For Lopes, this fight isn’t just about winning the belt—it’s about achieving something greater for his team and his country. When speaking to reporters, he didn’t hold back on his expectations or his respect for Volkanovski.

“I think he’s going to try and take advantage of this last run for the title, you know. He took some time off and I believe he’s going to come in his best shape to try and win the belt back and be the champion again. I’m prepared for five rounds. But I’m prepared for finishing the fight. No fighter is prepared to fight five rounds. Everybody is waiting to finish the fight. This is my goal, of course, I prepared for five rounds, but my goal is to finish.”

For Alexander Volkanovski, this fight is a shot at redemption—a chance to bring the featherweight title back to Australia and silence the doubts. For Diego Lopes, it’s an opportunity to etch his name into UFC history and prove he belongs among the elite. The road to glory is steep and unforgiving for both men, but the stakes are especially high for the 36-year-old former champion. As Chael Sonnen pointed out, this may be Volk’s last shot at deliverance, while Lopes, still rising, might have more chances ahead. But in a sport where nothing is guaranteed, both are fighting like it’s their only one.

Chael Sonnen spells out grim reality for Alexander Volkanovski

Ex-UFC star Chael Sonnen believes the pressure is at an all-time high for Alexander Volkanovski, with his career potentially hanging in the balance. Once dominant with a 22-fight win streak and five successful defenses of the 145-pound title, Volkanovski now finds himself in a rough patch—going 1-3 in his last four and losing his belt to Ilia Topuria at UFC 298. But with Topuria vacating the title, a golden opportunity has reappeared for ‘The Great’ at UFC 314. Still, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Sonnen expressed his concern during the Good Guy / Bad Guy podcast with Daniel Cormier. “Volkanovski’s name popping up with the wrong kind of loss—and I’m talking about if he gets laid out or he gets stopped, which is Lopes’ greatest path to victory, by the way—people are going to be calling for retirement. That’s going to give him four losses out of his last five. It will be over several years, spread across a couple of different weight classes.”

He also pointed to the intense mental pressure that could weigh on Volkanovski before stepping into the Octagon. Sonnen closed with a blunt take: “I think that Volk is not only fighting for a world title—I think he’s fighting for his career.”

Meanwhile, Volkanovski is embracing the challenge with characteristic grit. In an interview with TNT Sports ahead of UFC 314, he said he’s eager to clash with the rising contender: “A young hungry guy who is on a tear, a lot of hype around him, still that new school.”

So here we are. Diego Lopes has a chance to make history, while Volkanovski is out to reclaim his legacy. Who are you rooting for—the surging contender, or the seasoned former champ with everything to prove?