Diego Lopes is planning to beat Alexander Volkanovski in explosive fashion at UFC 314.

Later tonight, the Brazilian will compete for the vacant featherweight title, in front of a raucous crowd at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida, USA.

The task in front of him certainly won’t be easy, as his opponent is renowned for his fighting spirit. Volkanovski somehow survived a terrifying Brian Ortega guillotine and has compiled a resume featuring Max Holloway and Jose Aldo.

However, despite the Australian’s past achievements, Lopes isn’t expecting the legend to last the distance.

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Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

Diego Lopes has gone above and beyond in training camp to make sure he’s ready for everything Alexander Volkanovski is bringing to the table.

But while the 30-year-old is prepared to go the distance if he has to, his game plan is to render the former 145-pound King unconscious.

In an interview with Daniel Cormier, he explained: “I know Volkanovski has a lot of experience in the UFC, fighting over five rounds. But I have prepared myself for rounds one, two, three, four, five, if necessary.

“But I have got to finish this fight. I’ve not trained to make the decision; I train to finish the fight. Look at my record; it’s 26 wins, 22 finishes. This is my goal — my goal is to finish the fight.”

The match-up between Volkanovski and Lopes has captured the imagination of fans around the globe, with the combat sports community split over who’s going to come out on top.

One former MMA star is convinced that ‘The Great’ possesses a better skill set, favoring him in the striking and grappling departments.

However, he isn’t sure it’ll matter when the pair set foot inside the octagon together.

Now, the ex-UFC fighter has revealed why Volkanovski might lose to Lopes.

Alexander VolkanovskiDiego LopesUFCUFC 314