Volkanovski conquers adversity, wins second UFC title
Fraser Barton |
Despite his two busted hands and the stitches around his eyes and in his mouth, Australia’s Alexander Volkanovski said he still could have done more after securing the Ultimate Fighting Championship featherweight title.
Volkanovski became a two-time champion of the division on Sunday (AEST) and moved one win behind Jose Aldo (8) for most featherweight title victories, following a unanimous 48-47, 49-46, 49-46 scorecard victory over Brazilian Diego Lopes.
The 36-year-old defied history in being the first fighter aged over 35 to win a UFC title fight at 155 pounds and lighter after other bidders were 0-17 in the competition.
And with the belt sat firmly next to him at 3am local time on Sunday morning in Miami, Volkanovski said it was all about overcoming adversity.
Volkanovski had lost three out of his last four fights, with his most recent the division championship to Ilia Topuria in 2024.Â
“I felt like I could’ve done more out there. I’m always my hardest critic,” he told reporters.
“It’s not about bringing the belt back. It’s about overcoming this adversity, these two losses.
“That is more important – me showing my kids what you can be capable of when people are counting you out.”
Overcoming adversity is exactly what Volkanovski did in his thrilling bout with Lopes.
He was stunned late in round two by an overhand right from Lopes, and lost eyesight in round four after a vicious uppercut followed a glancing jab to his left eye.
“I’m starting to get my eyesight back now,” Volkanovski told his corner before the final round.
But a series of significant strikes brought Volkanovski success in a flurry-filled contest at Kaseya Centre.
Volkanovski landed 134 to Lopes’s 67, the most coming in round four of the NSW fighter’s 10th straight title bout.
“He’s got a freaking hard head,” Volkanovski said of Lopes.
“My hands bloody hurt.”
Volkanovski returned to his consistent left jab in the final round as Lopes pointed to the middle of the octagon in attempts to conjure a wild, swinging finish.
The Australian’s jab was a key weapon early in the fight as he managed his taller opponent, who had shown brutal knockout power on a five-fight win streak to Sunday’s title bout.
Volkanovski showed raw power early on, stunning Lopes with a powerful left hook that sent him into the cage.
Again, the same combination worked in round two when a similar left hook rocked Lopes but the Brazilian showed an impressive chin and fired right back.
An overhand right with less than 10 seconds in the round floored Volkanovski. He looked in clear danger before the bell rang.
He went back to level changes in round three and did well to weather the storm after an emboldened Lopes came out with more gumption.
Lopes fought with terrific heart and proved to the UFC he belongs among the top of the division in his first title fight and first five-round bout.
But for the newly crowned two-time champion, the victory won’t really settle in until he returns home.
“What it represents and what I’ve done – that’s special,” he said.
“I want to soak it up with my family and friends and everybody back home, because that means more to me.
“When I see all of that, that’s what really hits for me.”
AAP
