UFC 314 winner Alexander Volkanovski takes clear stance on featherweight GOAT debate

Alexander Volkanovski's answer about featherweight's GOAT debate may surprise some.

Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Alexander Volkanovski remained fairly humble in victory after snapping a two-fight losing skid to reclaim the UFC featherweight title against Diego Lopes.

"This was to show people you can come back from adversity," Volkanovski said.

Despite his run of greatness over the last six years, including two failed attempts at winning the UFC lightweight title with losses to current champion Islam Makhachev, Volkanovski still paid his respects to former Featherweight Champion Jose Aldo following UFC 314.

READ MORE: Alexander Volkanovski shatters infamous curse, reclaims title in UFC 314 main event

Alexander Volkanovski (red gloves) shake hands and hugs Diego Lopes (blue gloves) during UFC 314 at Kaseya Center. | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Volkanovski Weigh-Ins On Featherweight GOAT Debate

Speaking to assembled media after his win, Volkanovski was asked whether or not Aldo is still the GOAT of the division despite being nearly seven years removed from reigning at the top.

“I've got much respect for Aldo and I say he's the GOAT,” Volkanovski said.

Both men will now be linked to one another forever after Volkanovski joined Aldo as the second fighter in divisional history to regain the featherweight championship – something that may never happen again in the division or may take years to replicate.

READ MORE:UFC GOAT double-champ inducted to Hall of Fame

Alexander Volkanovski Discusses His Next Fight

Despite a 14-month hiatus from the sport after losing to Ilia Topuria, Volkanovski will try to remain active with yet another quick turnaround – whether fans like it or not.

Alexander Volkanovski (red gloves) reacts after defeating Diego Lopes (not pictured) during UFC 314 at Kaseya Center. | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

“September. I mean, if everything’s good I’d probably like to go quicker than that. That’s probably the second fight,” Volkanovski said.

The champ even took it one step further, declaring the UFC’s July pay-per-view as a possible option for a title defense.

Alexander Volkanovski (@AlexVolkanovski) is the second featherweight in UFC history to re-capture the undisputed UFC title (Aldo).

Volkanovski has the second most title fight wins in featherweight history with 7 (Aldo, 8).#UFC314

— UFC News (@UFCNews) April 13, 2025

READ MORE: MMA fans react to Alexander Volkanovski's win over Diego Lopes at UFC 314

Either way, Volkanovski returned to championship form Saturday night, and in some regards, looked like his old, vintage self.

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