Volkanovski vs Lopes: Can Volk Break the 35+ Curse at UFC 314?

​At UFC 314, former featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski is set to challenge Diego Lopes for the vacant featherweight title. This bout presents Volkanovski with an opportunity to reclaim his championship status and confront a daunting statistical trend that has plagued fighters aged 35 and older in the UFC’s lighter-weight divisions.​

ALSO READ: Ilia Topuria Vacates Featherweight Title: Eyes Lightweight Dominance.

The Over-35 Title Fight Statistic

Historically, male UFC fighters aged 35 and above competing in title fights at or below the welterweight division (170 pounds) have faced significant challenges. The combined record for these athletes stands at 3 wins and 24 losses. Breaking it down further:​

• Flyweight (125 lbs): 0-3​
  
• Bantamweight (135 lbs): 0-4​
  
• Featherweight (145 lbs): 0-5​
  
• Lightweight (155 lbs): 0-4
  
• Welterweight (170 lbs): 3-8​
  

Notably, in the featherweight division, fighters aged 35 and over have a 0-5 record in title bouts, underscoring the difficulty of achieving championship success in the lighter weight classes as athletes age.

Volkanovski’s Pursuit to Defy the Odds

Alexander Volkanovski, at 36 years old, is acutely aware of the so-called “over-35 curse.” His upcoming fight against the 30-year-old Diego Lopes is not just a battle for the featherweight title but also a chance to challenge this historical precedent. Volkanovski’s awareness of this statistic was humorously highlighted in a promotional video where he donned an old man’s disguise, poking fun at the age-related narrative.

The Significance of UFC 314

For Volkanovski, UFC 314 represents more than an opportunity to reclaim the featherweight championship; it is a chance to redefine the narrative surrounding age in the UFC’s lighter divisions. A victory would not only add to his legacy but also serve as an inspiration for other fighters facing similar age-related stigmas.

As fight night approaches, fans and analysts alike are keenly observing whether Volkanovski can overcome both Diego Lopes and the weight of historical statistics to emerge victorious.