By FCF Staff

Alexander Volkanovski is coming off consecutive KO losses, and is closer to 40 now than 30. But, Robert Whittaker believes the legendary fighter will reclaim the featherweight crown at UFC 314.

In the wake of Ilia Topuria vacating the featherweight belt, which he took from Volkanovski in early 2024, the latter has been booked to fight Diego Lopes for the vacant crown. The fight will headline the April 12th card.

Recently, former middleweight champ Robert Whittaker weighed in on the contest via the MMArcade podcast. While doing so, Whittaker explained why he believes his fellow Australian will be victorious at UFC 314 (quotes via Bloody Elbow).

“I see Volk going in there, using full skill sets, landing shots, going for takedowns, wearing Diego Lopes down, riding him for five rounds, and winning a decision. Or by getting him out of there in the later end of the rounds.”

“I can see him chopping that calf, doing his step-through left hand. I can see him pushing Diego backwards, dropping for doubles against the fence.

“He stopped using it as much once he was champ, except for against people like Yair [Rodriguez], he was bullying him with it. But he wrestled a lot in the beginning of his career and utilized it to great effect.“

Prior to facing Topuria, the now 36-year-old Volkanovski (26-4) was knocked out by lightweight champ Islam Makhachev in October, 2023.

The 30-year-old Lopes (26-6) is coming off a decision win over Brian Ortega in September and has won five straight.

UFC 314 will take place in Miami, Florida.