UFC analyst explains why Alexander Volkanovski is in "a no-win situation" with upcoming Diego Lopes rematch 

UFC analyst on Alexander Volkanovski
UFC analyst on Alexander Volkanovski's upcoming title rematch. [Image courtesy: Getty Images]

UFC analyst Din Thomas recently shared his thoughts on the Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes title rematch.

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In their first encounter at UFC 314 in April, Volkanovski outpointed Lopes over five rounds to reclaim the vacant featherweight title via unanimous decision. While many believed that rising contenders like Lerone Murphy and Movsar Evloev deserved to be Volkanovski's next title challengers, the UFC booked a rematch between the Australian and Lopes for UFC 325 in January.

While Murphy has an undefeated record of 17-0 and is coming off a stunning first-round knockout win over Aaron Pico at UFC 319 in August, Evloev is 19-0 as a professional fighter and last beat Aljamain Sterling via unanimous decision at UFC 310 last December. Given their resumes, it's no surprise that many believe they were snubbed of a title shot.

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In a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Thomas broke down Volkanovski's current situation and said:

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"I think Volk is in a no-win situation here. In a way, he's in a no-win situation because if he wins, it's like, 'Hey, you just beat this guy last year, and there's two other guys that deserved it more than he does.'"
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Naming Murphy as the featherweight contender who deserved the title opportunity, he added:

"Lerone Murphy, to me, deserves a shot at the title. He's done everything the UFC's asked of him, but he doesn't scream entertainment, and Diego Lopes does... I think it's important to Paramount to get off to a really strong start and get more people, and it's honestly better for the sport itself to have this fight as opposed to the meritocracy of Lerone Murphy, because he deserves it." [H/t: MMA Junkie]
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Din Thomas believes Alexander Volkanovski could retire with potential Diego Lopes rematch loss

In the same interview, Din Thomas shared his preview of the Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes rematch and addressed the possibility of the Australian losing.

Thomas backed Lopes to beat Volkanovski this time around and speculated that 'The Great' could call it a career if he lost at UFC 325 next year. He said:

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"I think Diego does it this time. When you're 37 and already talking about retiring. I think a 34-year-old Volkanovski beats Diego Lopes 99 out of 100 times. I think a 37-year-old Volkanovski, it's not as many. I think Diego gets him this time."

Thomas continued:

"I think if he [Volkanovski] loses, this might be it for him. He's a Hall of Famer. If he loses, this might be it for him, but if he wins, he's going to continue to fight until he loses. If he wins this fight, he's going to fight the next challenger, whoever that is. But if he loses this, it's probably it for it."

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Edited by Nishant Zende.
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