Alexander Volkanovski has offered his commiserations to upcoming opponent Diego Lopes in advance of their newly-arranged UFC 314 title fight.

It was confirmed by UFC boss Dana White overnight that Volkanovski will take on Lopes for the vacant featherweight championship following Ilia Topuria’s decision to vacate the championship in advance of a presumed bid to compete for the 155-pound crown later this year.

And Volkanovski, who was beaten for the championship by Topuria a year ago, says that while he respects the challenges that the Lopes will bring with him to the cage on April 12, his opponent will end up on the losing side.

“Lopes is obviously a dangerous dude,” Volkanovski said in a video released on his personal YouTube channel.

“A bit of a different matchup to Ilia. Obviously, they are both dangerous fighters. Yeah, I’m really looking forward to this one and feeling excited. I’m feeling great and I’m only going to get better from here, so that’s a scary thing, especially for Lopes.

“I think Lopes is in for a very, very hard fight,” Volk added. “He’s a gamer. He’s a great dude. I’ve got a lot of respect for him. A very nice fella. I’m sure he’s expecting to go out there and win the belt, but I’m sorry, mate, that ain’t happening.

“Good on you for being in this position. I’m happy you’re getting the opportunity to fight for the belt, but I’m still here and you ain’t having it. Sorry, mate.”

In his own comments following the announcement of his first tilt at a UFC title, Lopes vowed that he would “not fail” in the biggest test of his career.

“I have worked like no one else in recent years, I have accepted challenges and dares that the UFC has put in front of me, I have said yes in every situation, even when it was not favorable for me,” he wrote on social media.

“In less than 2 years within the UFC I will have my opportunity for the title. I will not fail. Dream, believe and make it happen.”