Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes are already looking beyond their fight at UFC 314.
Ilia Topuria recently vacated the featherweight title to pursue glory in the lightweight division.
At the same time, it was announced that Volkanovski and Lopes will battle for the unoccupied 145lb strap on April 12.
With UFC 314 almost upon us, the headliners have named the man they plan to face after winning the belt in Miami.
Diego Lopes names next opponent after UFC 314
Lopes made his UFC debut back in 2023 after being given a late-notice opportunity to face Movsar Evloev.
After narrowly losing the fight, Lopes won four on the bounce before dominating Brian Ortega at UFC 306 to earn his title shot last September.
Still, the Brazilian fan favorite is thinking about revenge as he prepares for the biggest fight of his life.
“Of course, this fight for me is important because this guy beat me in the past,” Lopes told MMA Junkie when asked about a potential rematch with Evloev.
“But now it’s different. It’s different things. I’m at the top, and this guy, too. Maybe we’ll fight for the title.
“I’m so excited for the next step, but my focus is on Volkanovski. I win the belt, and I will ask the UFC for the fight with Movsar.”
Alexander Volkanovski plans Movsar Evloev title fight
Evloev was the first name that came to mind when Volkanovski thought about what’s next after UFC 314.
The 19-0 contender hasn’t fought since picking up a controversial split decision win over Aljamain Sterling at UFC 310 in December.
Evloev has also claimed big victories over Arnold Allen and Dan Ige during his rise through the ranks.
“I’m telling you that I’m gonna go out there and I’m gonna win the belt and I’ll call out (Movsar Evloev) so he can probably wait if he wants to,” Volkanovski said on The Ariel Helwani Show.
“I’m winning that title and I’ll fight him three months later, tell me the date that we can do it and I’ll call the shots that night.
“I think Movsar is definitely deserving.”
