Alexander Volkanovski is far from done. With a chance to make history, the living legend showed why he is one of the greatest talents of his era, turning in a vintage performance on Saturday at UFC 314 to kick off a second UFC featherweight title reign with a gritty decision win over Diego Lopes.
Volkanovski, 36, is now the first fighter under 155 pounds to capture a UFC belt over the age of 35. He’s also just the second featherweight ever to reclaim the belt after losing it, joining fellow legend Jose Aldo.
In doing so, Volkanovski fended off any concerns that his time at the top had passed following back-to-back knockout losses to Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria. Volkanovski took a 14-month break after those setbacks — by far, the longest layoff of his nine-year UFC career — but the tactic paid off.
See how Volkanovski’s fellow UFC fighters reacted to his historic win at UFC 314 below.
Oh my goodness 😳 #UFC314
— Adrian Yañez (@yanezmma) April 13, 2025
Congratulations on an excellent performance, you’re a true champion! Now let’s see what your word is worth! @alexvolkanovski#UFC314
— Movsar Evloev (@MovsarUFC) April 13, 2025
One more for the 36 year olds
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) April 13, 2025
Volk is the captain of the 35 and older club. What a stud. #ufc314
— Michael Chiesa (@MikeMav22) April 13, 2025
Alexander Volkanovski
Reclaimed His featherweight crown.#Andnew— Carlston Harris Moçambique (@carlstonMMA) April 13, 2025
3-2 or 4-1 Volk. Championship experience prevailed #UFC314
— Henry Cejudo (@HenryCejudo) April 13, 2025
Volk is a legend man. Great job and glad to see him get it back! #UFC314
— The Golden Boy (@edmenshahbazyan) April 13, 2025
YAAASSSSSS HE F$&kEN DID IT…. LFG @alexvolkanovski#UFC314
— Damien Brown (@beatdown155) April 13, 2025
@Diegolopesmma you’re a fuckin animal. Head high brotha! Should be proud of your performance
— Vince Morales (@vandetta135) April 13, 2025
The King is back!! Great fight men, Lopez and Volkanovski! #UFC314
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) April 13, 2025
Huge achievement https://t.co/8SimY0MOp3
— Aiemann Zahabi (@Aiemannzahabi) April 13, 2025
Don’t care what anyone says 50-45 Volk look at the score card out struck him 3-1 every round !!!!
— Mitch Gagnon (@MitchGagnonUFC) April 13, 2025
Volk got that
— Sergio Pettis (@sergiopettis) April 13, 2025
Volk is Back!! #UFC314
— Max Griffin (@MaxPainGriffin) April 13, 2025
I have it 4-1 Volk. Anyone else? #UFC314
— The Golden Boy (@edmenshahbazyan) April 13, 2025
Wow a fight 2 WARRIORS 🏆 @ufc#UFC314#Miami
— Charles Rosa (@CharlesRosaMMA) April 13, 2025
Ilia Topuria vacating the featherweight belt , just doesn’t sit right with me . Dude was on fire and looking HOF at that weight class. Has to be the weirdest vacate ever IMO !
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) April 13, 2025
For more on UFC 314, get full results, highlights and round-by-round coverage here.