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 ...