Australian MMA fighter Alexander Volkanovski is set to make his return to the octagon in April, taking on Diego Lopes for the vacant UFC featherweight title at UFC 314 on April 13 (AEDT). This matchup follows Ilia Topuria’s decision to vacate the title and move up to the lightweight division. Volkanovski, who last fought a year ago against Topuria, remains determined to reclaim his featherweight championship.
Diego Lopes has been on a hot streak, entering the bout with five consecutive wins, solidifying his place in the UFC rankings. Following Topuria’s rise to lightweight, he is expected to challenge for the lightweight title against Islam Makhachev later this year.
In addition to Volkanovski’s highly anticipated return, fellow Australian Jack Della Maddalena is also in the spotlight, having secured a welterweight title fight against Belal Muhammad at UFC 315 in May. The 28-year-old Perth fighter boasts an impressive record in the UFC, having not suffered a loss since his debut, and aims to join Volkanovski and Robert Whittaker as an Aussie champion.
Overall, the upcoming months promise exciting opportunities for both Volkanovski and Della Maddalena to further establish their legacies in the UFC.