Iconic footballer Cristiano Ronaldo is trading heat with UFC featherweight Ilia Topuria after he questioned his prowess ahead of UFC 308. From big-time fights in the UFC to larger-than-life boxing cards in Saudi Arabia, the 39-year-old international phenom is always at hand. Ronaldo billed that Alexander Volkanovski wasn’t firing on all cylinders against Topuria. Volk’s coach agrees with the statement.
Topuria’s matchup with Max Holloway at UFC 308 pay-per-view (PPV) card was pegged as a true test. Topuria did blow out the veteran competitor in the way of a third-round KO. But before that, during Francis Ngannou‘s “Battle of the Giants” pay-per-view (PPV) PFL win, Ronaldo billed that Volk wasn’t in full form. So, he didn’t have a read on the range attacks coming; he got a scathing reply for it.
Now, after his long break, Volkanovski’s coach Joe Lopez confirms that.
Um, it probably wasn’t until we got in there, you know…but it was probably one of the better camps, you know – Alex going into the the previous last three fights…especially with the, uhm…, excuse me, with the Yair fight, um Alex was out. Couldn’t use his um left arm for probably 3/4 of the camp…then with the wrestling and all the, that it would lock up and he didn’t have that movement [after]…
Joe Lopez to Denis Shkuratov for the ‘Submission Radio’ Show for SBNation Network (🎥: @SubmissionRadio on YT)
Coming back from surgery, there was a lot less pain. So the longtime coach says that there were physically no baggages if Volk himself was willing to dive in. Which he consequently did in his double-division title dip attempt against Islam Makhachev twice. However, going into UFC 298 PPV, his ability to work in range was severely limited from all the previous camps.
So it’d seem Ronaldo hit the ball on mark about this. Volkanovski (26-4 MMA, 13-3 UFC) has been on layoff since losing his featherweight title to Topuria. Having garnered UFC CEO Dana White’s approval on an immediate rematch, he is planning a spot on UFC 312 pay-per-view (PPV), Live From Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney Olympic Park. If not for Topuria, he has other options as well.
Diego Lopes ‘merits’ title shot, but is open to Alexander Volkanovski for interim title
Diego Lopes has Ilia Topuria’s UFC featherweight title in his sights, and he’s not afraid to take it. Lopes (26-6 MMA, 5-1 UFC), a contender for the 145-pound title, is next in line for a shot at Topuria. After UFC 308, his chances seem more than just open out there.
Alexander Volkanovski entered the foray (figuratively) at UFC 308 to douse himself as the next challenger. ‘El Matador’ is open to facing him in a pay-per-view (PPV) spot title rematch. But not in UFC 212, Sydney (February). There’s also the running factor that most think Volk will be subject to another massive upset in their rematch.
Hence, Lopes can understand that he vs. Volknavoski for UFC 312 stands a better chance of happening. A substitute shot clears the line and calls for unification as a sort of mandatory requirement. The Lobo Gym and Brazilian Warriors product is ready for it. Defeating him, Volkanovski also announces himself back in the grind. His ideal scenario, however, would be a title fight, which he is confident will happen next.
If we’re talking about numbers and results, not to brag, but I think I’m in a good position to ask for the title, …Before April 10, before UFC 300, I wasn’t in the UFC rankings. However, since, I’ve beaten three ranked fighters, and I’ve positioned myself at No. 3. I think based on merit, …Topuria just knocked out No. 1 and 2, and I’m No. 3. I think I have arguments to call for this title fight.
Diego Lopes to Danny Segura (@HablemosMMA) for MMA Junkie in Spanish
Lopes told MMA Junkie that he’s open to fighting Volkanovski in early 2025, should Topuria take a break. But the Aussie had dropped back-to-back title affairs and then lost out his gold to the current champ. While still the No. 1 top seed in 145-pound athlete listings, Lopes feels his winning streak deserves it more.
