Robert Whittaker is confident that Alexander Volkanovski`s time as champion is not over.
Volkanovski has an opportunity to regain the featherweight title against Diego Lopes at UFC 314 this Saturday. The title became vacant after Ilia Topuria moved to lightweight, giving Volkanovski a quick path back to contention despite recent knockout losses to Islam Makhachev and Topuria.
Although Volkanovski is 36 and possibly past his prime, Whittaker believes the Australian fighter still has the ability to reclaim his position at the top of the featherweight division.
On his MMArcade Podcast, Whittaker stated, “Volk`s skill set is top-tier. I envision him utilizing calf kicks and his step-through left hand. I can see him pressuring Diego backward and attempting takedowns against the fence. He employed wrestling effectively earlier in his career, and I anticipate seeing a well-rounded Volk with his full skillset, leading to another Australian champion.”
Before his loss to Topuria, Volkanovski was undefeated in the featherweight division. However, his durability has been questioned after being knocked out by Makhachev and then Topuria within four months.
The loss to Topuria was particularly surprising given Volkanovski`s reputation for toughness and his dominant featherweight title reign. He initially won the title against Max Holloway at UFC 245 and defended it successfully five times, including two rematches with Holloway.
Whittaker emphasizes that he has witnessed Volkanovski`s best performances too many times to dismiss him now.
“The key question is which Volkanovski will we see at UFC 314?” Whittaker pondered. “People are focusing on his losses to Makhachev and Topuria, his age, and prematurely writing him off after those losses, which is unreasonable. MMA fans can be very reactionary.”
“The reality is he has had a break. He is coming off two consecutive losses, against Makhachev and Topuria, both being significant defeats. His age is a factor. So, the question remains: which Volkanovski will appear at UFC 314?”
Whittaker added, “Diego is currently very dangerous. However, I believe a focused Volkanovski, like the one who fought Makhachev the first time, will defeat Diego Lopes. Volk`s skills, composure, toughness, fight IQ, and octagon presence are exceptional. But considering all factors, we must wait to see which version of Volk we get.”
Lopes is on a five-fight winning streak since a debut loss to Movsar Evloev in 2023. He recently defeated Brian Ortega, a former title challenger, but is still considered the underdog against Volkanovski.
Whittaker agrees with this assessment and predicts Volkanovski will win by decision. He anticipates Volkanovski will use his complete skillset, landing strikes, attempting takedowns, and controlling Diego Lopes over five rounds to secure a decision victory and have Bruce Buffer announce “And Again.”
