By Guest 
The Kaseya Center in Miami was electric last night as Alexander Volkanovski defied the odds, silenced his doubters, and reclaimed the UFC Featherweight Championship title in a heart-pounding main event at UFC 314.
Facing off against the ferocious Diego Lopes for the vacant belt, Volkanovski delivered a performance for the ages, securing a unanimous decision victory with scores of 48-47, 49-46, and 49-46. This win not only marked his triumphant return to the top but also etched his name in history as the first fighter under 155 pounds to win a UFC championship over the age of 35.
Volkanovski Shocks the World at UFC 314
The road to this moment was anything but easy for the 36-year-old Australian fighter. After losing his featherweight title to Ilia Topuria via knockout in February 2024—the end of a four-year reign—Volkanovski endured a 14-month hiatus, the longest break of his nine-year UFC career.
This came on the heels of back-to-back knockout losses to lightweight champion Islam Makhachev and Topuria, a slump that had many questioning whether “The Great” had seen his best days. But Volkanovski proved that champions are forged in adversity, snapping his losing streak and reclaiming his throne in a five-round battle of attrition that earned the $50K ‘Fight of the Night’ bonus.
The stage was set for this epic clash when Topuria, the first Georgian fighter to win a UFC championship, vacated the featherweight title earlier this year to pursue two-division glory in the lightweight division.
This unexpected move opened the door for Volkanovski to face Lopes, a dangerous contender known for his relentless pace and finishing ability. Fans on X were buzzing with excitement leading up to the fight, with posts like, “Drake has $545,000 on Alexander Volkanovski beating Diego Lopes tomorrow,” adding to the hype.
Inside the octagon, Volkanovski showcased vintage form, blending his trademark striking precision with suffocating pressure to outlast Lopes. “The 35-year-old curse, 36 years old, big break — and come back and beat a gun like Diego Lopes, who comes and brings it? Mate, it’s good to be back,” Volkanovski said post-fight, visibly emotional. “Adversity is a privilege.
The belt has returned 😤🏆 @AlexVolkanovski | #UFC314 pic.twitter.com/JMNJ8qTL1r
— UFC (@ufc) April 13, 2025
This moment is incredible… This is s*** people are going to write books about, this is going to be movies.” His words resonated with fans on X, where one user, @BPmetax, wrote, “Bro earned it with blood literally,” capturing the grueling nature of the fight.
Volkanovski’s victory also places him in elite company as only the second featherweight in UFC history to recapture the title after losing it, joining legend José Aldo in that exclusive club. Meanwhile, the co-main event saw British fan-favorite Paddy Pimblett deliver a statement win, stopping one-time title challenger Michael Chandler via TKO in the third round, further igniting the Miami crowd.
The X platform erupted with reactions to Volkanovski’s triumph. @ufc posted, “ON TOP OF THE WORLD AGAIN @AlexVolkanovski is now a 2x UFC Featherweight Champion!” while @PUNTINGPR0PHETS noted, “Vintage Volk on full display today.” Another user, @tismjj, simply called it, “What a photo,” referring to the iconic image of Volkanovski, belt over his shoulder, staring intensely into the camera—a moment that will undoubtedly be etched in UFC lore.
Volkanovski’s journey back to the top is a testament to his resilience and heart, proving that even in the brutal world of MMA, legends can rise again. What’s next for the two-time champ? A potential rematch with Topuria, now climbing the lightweight ranks, could be on the horizon—or will another challenger emerge to test the reign of the featherweight king? One thing’s for sure: Volkanovski is back, and the UFC world is watching.