Alexander Volkanovski names only condition for fighting Diego Lopes, reacts to Brian Ortega bout: "I didn't expect him to hurt him so much"

Alexander Volkanovski has outlined the only condition under which he could fight Diego Lopes. Additionally, the 35-year-old put forth his opinion concerning Lopes' dominant victory over Brian Ortega.

Volkanovski is a former UFC featherweight champion whose reign ended in his most recent fight, a second-round KO defeat against Ilia Topuria in Feb. 2024. During his championship reign, Australia's Volkanovski had notably bested Ortega via unanimous decision after surviving multiple submission attempts in their clash in Sept. 2021.

Brazil's Lopes and America's Ortega clashed at UFC 306 (aka Riyadh Season Noche UFC) on Sept. 14, 2024. Lopes handily beat Ortega via unanimous decision after dazing him and almost stopping him via strikes.

The 29-year-old Diego Lopes recently expressed interest in fighting Alexander Volkanovski in December. Alternatively, Lopes is open to being the backup/replacement fighter for the Ilia Topuria-Max Holloway featherweight title bout at UFC 308 (Oct. 26, 2024).

Speaking to Submission Radio, Volkanovski has now asserted that he'd spoken to the UFC about waiting for a title shot against the Topuria-Holloway winner. He believes a clash against Lopes doesn't make sense.

'The Great' indicated that if BMF champion Holloway wins the featherweight belt and decides to defend the BMF title, it could create an interim title opportunity for him (Volkanovski).

The Aussie combatant opined that anything's possible and he could fight Lopes if there's an interim title on the line. He implied that Lopes is simply trying to fight a top-tier opponent and secure a title shot, which is similar to what he did or what anyone else would do during their ascent. Volkanovski stated:

"We've already talked to the UFC, obviously, the title fight. I'm fighting for the title, and that's sort of what it was always going to be. So I get what he's saying. If it was going to be him next, something would have to happen to one of the guys from the [Topuria-Holloway] fight -- they get injured or move divisions or whatnot, and there's an interim title or something like that."

He added:

"Obviously, I'm not scared of nobody, but I'm fighting for the title. And that's that. So that's the only way that sort of happens."

Check out Alexander Volkanovski's comments (0:38):

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Alexander Volkanovski's reaction to Brian Ortega's loss against Diego Lopes

During his Submission Radio appearance, Alexander Volkanovski was also asked whether Diego Lopes' dominant victory over Brian Ortega surprised him. Volkanovski responded by saying:

"Yeah. Well, I guess so. I had it pretty even, but I thought Ortega could get it done. But I didn't expect him to hurt him so much, and have Ortega so -- Ortega seemed like he was struggling. I think maybe it was a bad game plan. I think he kept doing the same thing and turning himself straight into Diego's right hand." [2:00]

Alexander Volkanovski pointed out that Brian Ortega didn't make the necessary adjustments during the fight. Nevertheless, he lauded 'T-City' for his incredible chin.

Volkanovski particularly underscored that Lopes' clean right hand in round one could've stopped Ortega but the latter's extraordinary durability helped him go the distance.

Volkanovski and Lopes' respective next fights haven't been officially announced yet. As for Ortega, he recently hinted at rebuilding himself after his one-sided defeat to Lopes.