Alexander Volkanovski is ready to hop back into the octagon after his loss to Ilia Topuria. Former UFC champions Kamaru Usman and Henry Cejudo discussed Volkanovski’s chances with top contenders like Diego Lopes and Max Holloway ready to contest for the title.
Kamaru Usman and Henry Cejudo released another episode of their Pound 4 Pound podcast. During their conversation, they brought up Alexander Volkanovski and his next move in the division. The former featherweight champion has suffered back-to-back knockout losses.
If I’m in Lopes’s position, I would definitely call for a Volkanovski fight. And I do believe Lopes could finish him dude. Volkanovski, his chin’s gone dude.
Henry Cejudo on Pound 4 Pound
Alexander Volkanovski is focused on regaining his championship with Ilia Topuria currently the reigning champion. However, Volkanovski is open to the idea of fighting Diego Lopes for an interim featherweight title. Featherweight champion Ilia Topuria will fight his first title defense against former champion Max Holloway.
Volkanovski acknowledged that circumstances like injuries or delays could open up an opportunity for an interim fight. Lopes has garnered significant attention after a recent dominant win over Brian Ortega. The win at UFC 306 has moved up his rankings to #3 in the featherweight division.
During Noche UFC, UFC commentator, Jon Anik noticed a peculiar movement from Diego Lopes that stood out to viewers and commentators alike. Lopes, who had just finished his fight against Brian Ortega, performed a gesture that many found strange and unexplained at first.
Diego Lopes (via Imago)Anik later revealed the backstory on social media. A fan sent out a tweet on X, pointing out the UFC fighter’s unusual tic. Anik replied, revealing that Diego Lopes has a scar on his neck that itches when he sweats. The incident dates back to his childhood when Lopes got into a bad accident.
From @TeamIridiumISA’s Jason House: Diego has a scar in his neck that itches when he sweats; that’s why he always rubs his neck. When he was a kid, he got into an accident and one of those steel poles used to build houses sliced his neck and left a bad scar. https://t.co/ThhbmKpY59
— Jon Anik (@Jon_Anik) September 20, 2024
The Brazilian sliced his neck on a steel pole used to build houses which left a nasty scar on the back of his neck. At a backstage interview with Megan Olivi after UFC 306, Lopes explained that he caught the habit of rubbing his neck when he sweats or gets nervous. However, the Brazilian assured fans it was nothing serious. With former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling showing interest in a fight against Lopes, it will be interesting to see where the rising contender takes his career next.
