Alexander Volkanovski’s coach reacts to Ilia Topuria’s 155-pound move

Alexander Volkanovski’s coach understands why Ilia Topuria opted to vacate his UFC featherweight title.

Topuria knocked out Volkanovski to assert the 145-pound title at UFC 298, then defended it efficiently with a knockout of Max Holloway at UFC 308. Volkanovski (26-4 MMA, 13-3 UFC) was gearing up for a title-fight rematch towards Topuria, however “El Matador” will now be making a everlasting transfer to light-weight.

Volkanovski’s head coach, Joe Lopez, thinks Topuria (16-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) is following the footsteps of the game’s greatest star.

“I spoke to his coaches and every thing else, however on all accounts I feel he he struggles to make that featherweight division,” Lopez informed Submission Radio. “I suppose he’s received that title, and he needs to comply with the identical path as (Conor) McGregor – and good luck to him if he makes that a lot cash. I’d do i,t as nicely.”

With Topuria relinquishing his featherweight title, Volkanovski will meet Diego Lopes (26-6 MMA, 5-1 UFC) for the vacant belt within the UFC 314 fundamental occasion April 12 at Kaseya Heart from Miami.

If Volkanovski is ready to recapture the title, Lopez would like to see a possible state of affairs the place he will get his rematch with Topuria at light-weight.

“Oh, 100%, it will be a battle of ages, and I do know Volk needs to get that again,” Lopez stated. “He was fairly disenchanted that Ilia pulled out as a result of Volk’s very proud, and he needs it again. He simply needs it again.

“Like I’ve stated, possibly we got here again too early after the Islam (Makhachev) battle (at UFC 294) and Volk was a bit bit gun shy, however we’re not right here to make excuses. However we’d actually prefer to get that one again.”

For extra on the cardboard, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion hub for UFC 314.