Alexander Volkanovski reclaimed the UFC featherweight title with a unanimous decision victory over Diego Lopes at UFC 314 in Miami — an event notably attended by U.S. President Donald Trump.
The Australian fighter earned scores of 49-46 from two judges and 48-47 from the third, securing the championship early Sunday.
Volkanovski (27-4) had previously defended the featherweight crown four times before losing it to Islam Makhachev on February 11, 2023.
“It’s good to be back,” Volkanovski said after the win.
As for Lopes, he gave his full respect to the champion but wanted the crowd to know this was not the end of the journey.
“It was an honour to share the Octagon with Alexander Volkanovski,” Lopes said. “I’ll be back.”
Trump, a longtime friend of UFC President and CEO Dana White, as well as a fan of the sport, watched from the front row.
Basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal approached Trump and shook his hand. Cabinet officials Tulsi Gabbard, Marco Rubio and Robert F Kennedy Jr also were in attendance as was X owner and White House adviser Elon Musk.
Despite suffering a cut below his right eye and getting dropped by an overhand right in the second round, Volkanovski controlled the first three rounds. In the fourth, Lopes accidentally caught Volkanovski’s other eye with his glove and launched a strong offensive, but was unable to finish the fight.
