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Diego Lopes calls Alexander Volkanovski for the interim title fight in Sydney

Diego Lopes hopes to fight Alexander Volkanovski in enemy territory.

After a knockout win over Max Holloway at UFC 308, featherweight champion Ilia Topuria had a heartfelt conversation with Alexander Volkanovski. The UFC seemed to be hoping for a possible title rematch between the two.

Lopes, who was at the event as he was being considered as a replacement for the headliner, believes an interim title shot with Volkanovski makes sense next.

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As a guest on “The Ariel Helwani Show,” Diego Lopes explained why it makes sense to fight Alexander Volkanovski for the interim UFC featherweight championship in February 2025.

“He said that Ilia had mentioned on Saturday evening that he wanted to take some time off,” said the translator. “UFC also mentioned that they are not really working on a date for Spain. He feels that while all this is going on, it would make the most sense for him to simply fight Volk for the interim title in Sydney. People have already done it.” I suggested it, I already agreed to it. Let's just do it.

Topuria has said he will not face Volkanovski in Sydney. If the UFC feels the need to add “The Great” to this card, a showdown with Diego Lopes would make sense. It would also leave no doubt as to who Topuria's next challenger would be.

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