Alexander Volkanovski Reclaims Featherweight Throne in Epic Back-And-Forth Brawl Against Diego Lopes – UFC 314 Highlights

Alexander Volkanovski retook the featherweight throne on Saturday night, besting Diego Lopes in the UFC 314 headliner.

It was a big first round from Volkanovski, who cracked Lopes with a vicious left hand that sent Lopes stumbling back toward the cage wall. ‘The Great’ used that as an opportunity to close the distance and muscle Lopes to the mat. Volkanovski finished the round dropping some nasty ground-and-pound shots.

The chaos continued in the second stanza with both fighters getting rocked. Volkanovski caught Lopes early in the round with another big left that sent Lopes stumbling back toward the cage wall. However, with 10 seconds left in the round, Lopes landed a brutal right hand that sent Volkanovski crashing to the canvas.

Volkanovski popped right back up and avoided taking any further damage before the second round horn sounded.

The third was much more competitive, but Volkanovski appeared to get the better of the striking exchanging, potentially putting him up 3-0 going into the championship rounds.

Things took an especially crazy turn in the fourth round when Lopes landed an uppercut that caught Volkanovski on the eye. Volkanovski desperately retreated as Lopes desperately moved in looking for a home-run shot. Volkanovski ultimately made it out of the round, revealing to his corner that his eyesight had been compromised due to the blow.

Interestingly, Volkanovski appeared to poke Lopes in the eye during a fifth-round exchange, but referee Marc Goddard forced the fight to continue, calling it a legal strike. However, the commentators revealed via instant replay that it was in fact an eye poke and not a punch.

With time ticking down, Lopes called for the two to stand in the center and trade. Volkanovski obliged, landing another big right hand. Lopes attempted to respond, but the clock ran out before he could connect.

Official Result: Alexander Volkanovski def. Diego Lopes via unanimous decision (48-47, 49-46, 48-47) to win the vacant UFC featherweight world championship.

Check Out Highlights From Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes at UFC 314: