Overview

• Alexander Volkanovski reclaimed the UFC featherweight title at UFC 314 with a unanimous decision win over Diego Lopes in a grueling five-round fight.
• The fight left Volkanovski with significant injuries, including a suspected broken thumb and temporary vision loss in his left eye, raising questions about his recovery timeline.
• Volkanovski expressed interest in facing contenders Movsar Evloev or Yair Rodriguez for his next title defense but acknowledged that his injuries might delay his return to the Octagon.
• The victory marked a career milestone for Volkanovski, as he became the first featherweight champion to reclaim the belt after the age of 35, overcoming widespread doubts about his longevity.
• Despite his injuries, Volkanovski's performance bolstered his market value, with a reported $1.48 million payout and a rise to No. 9 in the UFC pound-for-pound rankings.