Alexander Volkanovski reacts before fighting against Ilia Topuria during UFC 298 at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

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Alexander Volkanovski, Ilia Topuria Headed In Different Directions After Super Fight Rumors!

Exciting fight news for Alexander Volkanovski and Ilia Topuria—neither is facing the other, but big battles await!

Alexander Volkanovski reacts before fighting against Ilia Topuria during UFC 298 at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

The UFC featherweight division has been a whirlwind of activity lately, with its top stars making headlines left and right. The weight class has always delivered thrilling battles, from Jose Aldo’s dominant reign to Max Holloway’s striking masterclasses, and Alexander Volkanovski’s technical brilliance.

Now, it seems fans are entering another exciting chapter as both the champion and one of its most promising contenders are making waves with potential fight rumors that could reshape the division’s landscape!

I’m being told that the plan for #UFC314 is Alexander Volkanovski vs Diego Lopez for the interim championship and that the negotiations to make the superfight between lightweight champion Islam Makhachev vs. ilia Topuria is advanced for International Fight Week! 👀 pic.twitter.com/85e2Ftd2GE
— Wolf 🏴‍☠️ (@ZaBadWolf) February 1, 2025

The timing couldn’t be more interesting, as both Alexander Volkanovski and Ilia Topuria are reportedly heading in different directions for their next fights. This peculiar development comes at a time when many fans expected these two to clash, especially given Topuria’s interest in a rematch with Volk. These latest developments suggest we might be seeing some unexpected twists in the road to the title.

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Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes Targeted For Interim Championship?

Alexander Volkanovski’s next move might surprise many fans, as rumors suggest he is eyeing a bout with Diego Lopes for an interim featherweight title at UFC 314. The timing makes sense, considering Volk’s recent losses to Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria. He has taken quite some time since and seems now ready.

Alexander Volkanovski says his next fight will be for a title, and even brings up a potential interim title fight against Diego Lopes 👀

"Could there be an interim [title fight] with someone like Lopes? You never know…

I want to fight soon. Obviously my next fight is a title… pic.twitter.com/QbQdZNphG0
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) September 15, 2024

Lopes, on the other hand, has been on a tear since his short-notice UFC debut loss to Movsar Evloev. His last performance was particularly eye-catching, a domination of veteran Brian Ortega that had everyone talking. The Brazilian possesses the kind of aggressive, finish-oriented style that could make for an exciting matchup against Volkanovski’s technical prowess.

Ilia Topuria’s Lightweight Dreams Finally Coming True?

In what could be the biggest career move for Ilia Topuria, negotiations are reportedly close to being finalized for a lightweight championship bout against Islam Makhachev during International Fight Week (June). This news comes fresh off Topuria’s dominant victory over Max Holloway, where he showcased why many consider him one of the most promising fighters in the sport.

The Georgian-Spanish fighter’s perfect record and confident predictions have drawn comparisons to a young Conor McGregor. And like the Irishman, he is now seeking double-champion status.

Islam, if I want to, I can finish you.if I want to, I can knock you out. I'll make it look easy. Se you soon 😉
— Ilia Topuria (@Topuriailia) January 19, 2025

Islam Makhachev, who has looked nearly unstoppable since claiming the lightweight crown, presents perhaps the toughest stylistic matchup in MMA today. The Pound for pound #1 fighter’s last performance was a masterclass against Renato Moicano. He came in and submitted the BJJ black belt in a round, showcasing the level he is in.

👀Islam Makhachev responds to Ilia Topuria:

“There is all these opponents they all say they want to finish me in 1st, 2nd round. I already said if you can make 155 you can get into the cage.”

🎥 @ufc ▫️ pic.twitter.com/3n8wLyLUze
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) January 19, 2025

Conclusion

The potential scheduling of these fights represents a fascinating shift in both divisions. For Alexander Volkanovski, it’s a chance to remind everyone why he’s considered one of the greatest featherweights ever, while for Lopes, this could mean that he will have the chance to become the division’s newest challenger.

Meanwhile, Ilia Topuria’s ambitious move up to lightweight could either establish him as the UFC’s newest superstar or prove that sometimes it’s better to defend what you have already earned. Either way, the next few months promise to deliver some of the most intriguing matchups fans have seen in recent memory!

(Image Credit: Gary A. Vasquez – Imagn Images)

Alexander Volkanovksi

Diego Lopes

Ilia Topuria

Islam Makhachev

UFC 314

Zaid Quraishi

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I am a dedicated MMA and Boxing content writer at The Playoffs. I was instantly hooked on MMA after watching the fight between Lyoto Machida vs. Gegard Mousasi back in 2014, and since then, i have been an avid writer with a deep love for the sport and its techniques, providing readers with a thorough understanding of the sport. My favorite aspect of working at The Playoffs is the creative freedom it provides. The diverse range of topics, from listicles and SEO to news articles, keeps me engaged and motivates me to continuously improve my skills! I aim to capture the excitement of the combat sports world in my writing, acting as the middleman between fighters and their die-hard fans. It is kind of like a referee, but with words!