The Australian of Macedonian origin returns to UFC fights on Saturday after a long break, in a duel with Diego Lopez.
More than a year has passed since the last fight of legendary MMA fighter Aleksandar Volkanovski (36), an Australian of Macedonian descent.
That free time gave the former UFC featherweight champion plenty of time to think, and he accepted an offer to face Brazilian Diego Lopez, 30, in the main event of UFC 314 in Miami on Saturday, with a chance to reclaim the UFC featherweight title.
– Everyone will change their tune after this fight, I guarantee it. Everyone has the right to doubt me. I'm coming off two losses, I'm 36 years old. A lot of people are saying, oh, it's over. And they have every right to think that until I change their mind. So, that's what I plan to do – says Volkanovski, announcing the match on Saturday.
As one of the greatest featherweight fighters in UFC history, Aleksandar Volkanovski is a name with great respect among fans.
Since joining the UFC, he has established himself as a top name in his division. Despite losing to Islam Makhachev and Ilya Topuria in his last two fights, he is still considered one of the best fighters in the UFC today.
Volkanovski (26-4) held the featherweight title from December 2019 to February 2024, making five successful defenses of the belt.
His father is Macedonian, while his mother has Greek roots.
