‘The king is back’: Pros react to Alexander Volkanovski regaining title at UFC 314
Alexander Volkanovski is the king of the featherweight division again.
At 36 and coming off two straight losses, Volkanovski managed to turn back the clock and win a convincing decision over Diego Lopes to capture a vacant 145-pound title. Volkanovski dropped the belt via a devastating knockout at the hands of Ilia Topuria in February 2024, but with Topuria moving up to the lightweight division, the championship was once again up for grabs.
Volkanovski didn’t disappoint, outworking the younger Lopes for five rounds and surviving a last-second scare in Round 2 to win on the scorecards, with two judges having it for “The Great” via 49-46 scores. It was the first win for Volkanovski since a successful title defense against Yair Rodriguez at UFC 290 in July 2023.
Fighters were thrilled to see Volkanovski put on a vintage performance, with Aljamain Sterling simply stating, “The king is back!”
Check out more reactions from social media below, with both Volkanovski and Lopes earning the respect of their peers.
The King is back!! Great fight men, Lopez and Volkanovski! #UFC314
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) April 13, 2025
He’s back pic.twitter.com/Ci41g2NzQm
— Terrance McKinney (@twrecks155) April 13, 2025
3-2 or 4-1 Volk. Championship experience prevailed #UFC314
— Henry Cejudo (@HenryCejudo) April 13, 2025
Volk is most certainly past his prime. He can’t take shots how he used to. He doesn’t have the same reaction time etc. BUT
— Nazim Sadykhov (@naz_mma) April 13, 2025
Even this Volk.. is world champ. THATS how freaking good VOLK is. Congrats champ #AndNewAgain #UFC314
Diego Should’ve fought the whole fight like he did that last minute
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) April 13, 2025
Volk Champion!!!!! #UFC314
— Michael Chiesa (@MikeMav22) April 13, 2025
Volk is a legend man. Great job and glad to see him get it back! #UFC314
— The Golden Boy (@edmenshahbazyan) April 13, 2025
Jab wins fights #UFC314
— Billy Goff (@BilliamGoff) April 13, 2025
Incredible fight! wow.
— Mike “Beast Boy” Davis (@MikeDavisMMA) April 13, 2025
CONGRATULATIONS @alexvolkanovski
Congrats to Volk Usman should be inspired by what he just watched and walk that walk #UFC314
— Joaquin New Mansa Buckley (@Newmansa94) April 13, 2025
Would love the chance to fight Diego Lopes after he heals up. Great fight and showing for the belt. You are one of the best and I want the best! #UFC314
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) April 13, 2025
Gotta feel great for Volk. Fought like the more complete and more experienced fighter. What an effort by Lopes tho. Excellent main event! Can’t wait to break it all down on @AnikFlorianPod #UFC314
— Kenny Florian (@kennyflorian) April 13, 2025
Way past my bedtime, but what a phenomenal #UFC314 card.
— Mike Malott (@Michael_Malott) April 13, 2025
Congrats to Volk on a vintage performance and up next…. #UFC315
THE MILITIA