“Overcoming the adversity” - UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski recalls a promise made to his daughters

Alexander Volkanovski created history by reclaiming his throne at the featherweight division on April 12, 2025, at UFC 314. The unanimous decision came from a scorecard of 48-47, 49-46 and 49-46. Both fighters maintained their mutual respect even after the bout was over. Lopes expressed his gratitude for getting the opportunity to share the Octagon with The Great while announcing that he will be back soon. Volkanovski, on the other hand, got emotional during the post-fight press conference and recalled his promise to his daughters as he overcame the burden of the past couple of title bout defeats.
Alexander Volkanovski, who had previously lost the title to Islam Makhachev at UFC 294 after winning it against Yair Rodriguez at UFC 290, was looking for redemption in his bout at UFC 314. And he landed quite successfully on that front. During the post-fight press conference, Volkanovski recalled a promise that he had made to his daughters about bringing the belt back while explaining the fact that it was not just about reclaiming the title.
“I sort of said that at the start today, while I was walking around. I was like, I promised my girls I will bring the belt back. And then I am like it’s not about bringing the belt back. I said it in there I go, well it’s not about bringing the belt back. It’s about overcoming the adversity. These two losses, the break I had. A lot of people are going to think I am done. 36 years old. That is more important.” The fighter continued, “You know showing my kids what you could be capable of, when people are counting you out. And people, like I said, everyone had the right to count me out. You know coming off two losses. Big break, 36-year-old young hungry dangerous guy…Hopefully I changed your mind and I think there’s more of a message in all of that than just taking the belt back to the family.”

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A lot of critics and fans almost predicted an end to Volkanovski’s career owing to his back-to-back title bout losses. However, UFC 314 changed that perspective with the fighter reclaiming his throne. In the co-main event, Paddy Pimblett knocked out Michael Chandler in the 3rd round itself.