Diego Lopes wouldn’t be getting a title shot if Alexander Volkanovski had his way.
There was a mixed response to Dana White’s latest round of UFC fight announcements — to say the least.
The UFC president had already caused enough of a stir by revealing that Justin Gaethje vs Paddy Pimblett will headline UFC 324 with an interim lightweight title on the road. That call has meant a snub for Arman Tsarukyan, and the Armenian was not the one top contender being missed.
White also confirmed a controversial rematch between Volkanovski and Lopes for UFC 325 in Sydney, with the promotion favoring the Mexican’s second title shot over the likes of Lerone Murphy.
Amongst those that disagree with the choice is the UFC featherweight champion himself.
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Alexander Volkanovski admits UFC went against his opponent preference with Diego Lopes selection
After Volkanovski beat Lopes at UFC 314, the undefeated Murphy seemed to be the likely next in line after his spinning elbow knockout against Aaron Pico in Chicago this past August.
That was clearly the champ’s preference, as he labeled a fight with ‘The Miracle’ as a “no-brainer” for the UFC to book.
But being a two-time featherweight king and leading contender for GOAT status within the division is evidently not enough for Volkanovski to have a say in his opposition.
“Everyone knows that I desired to fight earlier. I believed it was going to be December — Lerone Murphy in December,” Volkanovski said in a video uploaded to his YouTube channel after White’s announcement.
“Then they (the UFC) were saying Lopes. Obviously, we were like, ‘We just fought that guy? Is there more deserving people?’ Whatever, everyone knows that I’ll fight anyone.
“Whoever they put in front of me, I’ll do. But, you recognize, there was them questions there,” he continued. “Obviously, again, I believed Movsar was deserving, Lerone Murphy. I believed they were the 2 guys. (But) UFC really wanted Lopes.
“Movsar and Lerone, they’re more deserving…but it surely is what it’s. Whoever they put in front of me, let’s go.”
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See how Alexander Volkanovski reacted to his UFC 325 rematch! Would you’ve got slightly seen his opponent wish granted? 🤔
Alexander Volkanovski escaped a scare in the primary Diego Lopes fight
Volkanovski placed on a vintage display to get the higher of Lopes the primary time around, however the five-round affair was not without some adversity for the Australian fan favorite.
After his knockout losses to Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria, Volkanovski’s fans were likely fearful when he was dropped by Lopes during their predominant event at Miami’s Kaseya Center.
The 2-time featherweight king was briefly sat down by a clean right hand. Thankfully for Volkanovski, the knockdown got here within the dying seconds of round two, allowing him sufficient time to get better.
Watch Diego Lopes drop Alexander Volkanovski of their first fight ahead of the UFC 325 rematch 💥
Volkanovski will probably be hoping for a cleaner victory within the pair’s upcoming rematch before turning his attention to among the names he hoped to face next.