Alexander Volkanovski open for provisional title fight against Diego Lopes

All Alexander Volkanovski knows is that his next fight will be for the featherweight title.

Volkanovski (26-4 MMA, 13-3 UFC) awaits the winner of the title fight between champion Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway, which headlines UFC 308 on October 26 in Abu Dhabi.

Diego Lopes (26-6 MMA, 5-1 UFC) defeated Brian Ortega on Saturday at UFC 306 to demand a title shot. With Lopes also fighting for the No. 1 spot, Volkanovski is willing to fight him – but only if the interim title is on the line.

“Lopes – huge win. They're both top guys. I like them both, so I'll be happy for whoever wins,” Volkanovski said on his YouTube channel. “Lopes is right up there with the pack now. I think he'll finish third.”

“My next fight is obviously for the title, depending on what happens. Are there any injuries in the fight between Max and Ilia? Who knows what will happen. Could there be an interim round with someone like Lopes? You never know, so we'll see what happens.”

Volkanovski makes it clear that he will only consider an interim title fight with Lopes if the winner of the fight between Topuria and Holloway is not available within a reasonable time and can fight him.

“My next fight is for the title,” Volkanovski said. “But if they don't get that done fast enough, let's say if Max wins, will he move down to lightweight and do BMF? Will there be an interim fight? I haven't had any real talks with them yet, so I'm going to go back to the UFC and have a real talk with them. All I know is my next fight is for the title.”

For more information on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 306.