EXCLUSIVE: Alexander Volkanovski had 'question marks' over UFC future - but the Aussie 'answered them with flying colours'

Alexander Volkanovski admits he had "question marks" over his UFC future - but the Aussie star is adamant he has "answered them with flying colours" in recent months.

One of the most popular fighters on the roster has endured his fair share of setbacks in recent years, with back-to-back losses against Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria.

The most recent loss, which saw Volkanovski knocked out by Topuria and lose his featherweight title, left the Windang product at somewhat of a crossroads.

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It led to the longest absence of Volkanovski's career, but that time away from the cage will finally come to an end in April when he takes on Diego Lopes for the vacant belt.

In an exclusive interview with Wide World of Sports as part of Tyro's Big Buyout campaign, the 36-year-old admitted there were moments he doubted his own future.

"It's definitely been longer - my longest break ever, really," Volkanovski said.

"You could say it was forced, but at the same time I chose to do it and knew my head needed a rest, so I accepted that and I was able to commit to that.

"While I was cruising around in the break, you start thinking about things and the reality is, I am getting older. There were question marks and things that I was asking myself.

"Am I gonna be the same guy? Maybe I'm not, but I reckon I can still be good enough."

While many had their doubts whether he could return to the same level, Volkanovski explained why the next version will be the best one yet in a scary warning to his rivals.

"In the last month of training, I literally showed myself that I have definitely still got it and it's been incredible," he said.

"There were questions I was asking myself, but I answered them with flying colours.

"I'm really happy with where I'm at, especially knowing I've still got eight weeks to go.

"People are gonna keep bringing my age up, but if you were in the gym with me, you wouldn't be looking at that. Training has been really good, more committed than ever.

"I have never been so disciplined when it comes to diet and staying off alcohol. I have already been doing that for a couple of months, which I don't usually do this far out.

"I'm just going that extra mile." 

Volkanovski's impending return against Lopes came after plenty of frustrating moments.

He was initially hopeful of competing at UFC 312 in Sydney earlier this month, but was forced to sit and wait while Topuria decided his own future.

Once the undefeated Spaniard opted to vacate the 145-pound title, Volkanovski was informed by UFC officials that his next challenge would come in the form of Lopes.

Given the loss to Topuria was a major blemish on his record, Volkanovski conceded he did want to get that win back - but wouldn't dare turn down "the next best thing".

"Originally I was [disappointed], I just wanted that fight with Ilia," he said.

"Then you heard he wanted to move up to lightweight and time was dragging on ... I got to a point where I just wanted to fight, even if it was just against Lopes for the interim."

"It wasn't until literally fight day at UFC 312 that they gave me a name. They didn't even know until then, so everything was all up in the air. I'm guessing that Ilia was wanting to move up and commit to that and I'm guessing maybe that's what the hold up was.

"In an ideal world, it would have been against Ilia in a rematch, but the next best thing is fighting for a vacant belt against the next deserving guy, which is Lopes.

"It doesn't get much better than that, outside of facing Ilia."

Lopes (26-6) is on a five-fight win streak and has skyrocketed into title contention over the past year with wins over Brian Ortega and Dan Ige.

But according to Volkanovski, the major step up in competition will be too steep for the Brazilian, who is yet to fight for a title under the UFC umbrella.

"He has been impressive - just look at where he is, in that short amount of time he's now getting a title shot and it's incredible for him," the former champ said.

"You have got to give him credit for it, but do I want to talk about 'how good' he is?

"It's hard and I don't want this to sound insulting, but I think it's just been a timing thing after he had some great fights to get himself in this position.

"He's yet to face someone of my calibre who can really dissect the game or style that he has and really test him or show him the different levels. He's still young … maybe he shows something on April 12, but I don't think he's going to.

"I'm gonna give him big problems and the world is gonna be pretty impressed with what I do next and the comeback is gonna be unreal."

Volkanovski has been a busy man during his time away from the octagon, focusing on his outside ventures, including a cooking channel and corporate partnerships.

One of those has seen Volkanovski partner up with Tyro Payments and he hosted a major event at Bondi's Hotel Ravesis on Sunday afternoon, putting $20,000 behind the bar.

"It's unreal, it's been very busy and a great turnout," he said.

"Everyone is really enjoying themselves, they have already gone past the bar tab and maybe chuck on a bit more. It's an incredible opportunity for businesses and there's still people who can get in there and jump on board. 

"When Tyro first initially came to us and told us what they wanted to do, they said they wanted to help the small businesses and the community.

"I thought that would be great, I'm someone that has businesses myself and I grew up with my family having small businesses. I know it can be tough, so if you can help the community, I'm on board and I thought it would be a great partnership.

"I feel like getting to help the small businesses with this and the campaign they are doing, it's great for them and great for the people."

Volkanovski will headline the UFC 314 pay-per-view in Miami on April 13 (AEDT).

Small businesses across NSW still have a chance to win one of two $10,000 Tyro Big Buyouts later this year, with full details available at tyro.com.au/buyout.