Alexander Volkanovski says Diego Lopes in for a 'very hard' fight at ...

Alexander Volkanovski relishes the opportunity to prove the doubters wrong at UFC 314.

With UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria relinquishing his title, Volkanovski (26-4 MMA, 13-3 UFC) and Diego Lopes (26-6 MMA, 5-1 UFC) will compete for the vacant title in the April 12 main event at Kaseya Center from Miami.

Volkanovski says he’s known about the April date for a while now, but he just wasn’t sure if Lopes was his opponent, and the exact implications of the fight. The former five-time defending UFC featherweight champion warns the streaking Lopes that he’s hungry to regain his throne.

“I’m feeling great, and I’m only going to get better from here, so that’s a scary thing – especially for Lopes,” Volkanovski said on his YouTube channel. “I think Lopes is in for a very, very hard fight. He’s a gamer. He’s a great dude. I’ve got a lot of respect for him – very nice fella.

“I’m sure he’s expecting to go out there and win the belt, but I’m sorry, mate. That ain’t happening. Good on you for being in this position. (I’m) happy you’re getting the opportunity to fight for the belt, but I’m still here. You ain’t having it. Sorry, mate.”

Volkanovski will look to rebound from back-to-back knockout losses to lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, and most recently Topuria last February at UFC 298. He knows many are doubting his current form, but is excited to remind everyone.

“I’m really looking forward to this one – very excited, excited to show everyone,” Volkanovski said. “Obviously, people are like, ‘Oh, he’s old – he’s done.’ I hope people are thinking that. Everyone knows I love the underdog story. Everyone knows I love to prove people wrong.

“I still think a lot of people believe in me, and I’m going to go out there and look great, anyway. But, for those who don’t, you have every right to think that until I change your opinion, and that’s exactly what I’m going to do April 12.”

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 314.