Alexander Volkanovski’s Coach Reveals UFC 325 Pre-Fight Injury Concern

Alexander Volkanovski successfully defended his UFC featherweight title at UFC 325, but the path to the fight was fraught with obstacles. Coach Joe Lopez disclosed that Volkanovski faced a serious shoulder injury a month prior to the event, raising concerns about his ability to compete.

Injury Challenges Before UFC 325

Lopez revealed during an interview with Daniel Cormier that Volkanovski had a dislocated shoulder four weeks before the fight. “To be fair, Alex, four weeks ago, we didn’t think he was going to fight,” Lopez stated. Despite the injury, Volkanovski competed effectively, demonstrating resilience throughout the bout against Diego Lopes.

Fight Performance and Strategy

In the rematch, Volkanovski showcased his striking skills over five rounds. Lopes had moments where he threatened the champion but ultimately failed to secure a victory. Volkanovski’s performance was described as composed, and he secured a strong win on the scorecards to retain his title.

• Volkanovski’s fight record at UFC 325: Successfully defended his title.
• Lopes provided some challenge but Volkanovski kept control.
• Volkanovski’s striking was superior throughout the match.

Mental Growth After Previous Fight

Lopez emphasized the mental aspect of Volkanovski’s preparation for this fight. Following their first encounter with Lopes at UFC 314, Lopez noted Volkanovski had been hesitant during training. This time, he displayed confidence and determination, returning to his known fighting form.

Future Prospects in the Featherweight Division

At 37 years old, Volkanovski has become the oldest fighter to successfully defend the UFC featherweight title. Challenges lie ahead with emerging contenders such as Movsar Evloev and Lerone Murphy, who may compete against each other for a chance at the championship.

• Volkanovski welcomes any new challengers.
• His longevity in the sport is a topic of speculation.
• Lopez humorously suggested they might get another four years out of him.

While Volkanovski continues to prove his prowess in the octagon, fans and analysts eagerly await his next fight and the potential challengers he may face in the future. For more coverage on UFC events and insights, stay tuned to Filmogaz.com.