Alexander Volkanovski ’s coach understands why Ilia Topuria opted to vacate his UFC featherweight title. Topuria knocked out Volkanovski to claim the 145-pound title at UFC 298 , then defended it successfully with a knockout of Max Holloway at UFC 308. Volkanovski (26-4 MMA, 13-3 UFC) was gearing up for a title-fight rematch against Topuria, but “El Matador” will now be making a permanent move to lightweight. Volkanovski’s head coach, Joe Lopez, thinks Topuria (16-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) is following the footsteps of the sport’s biggest star. “I spoke to his coaches and everything else, but on all accounts I think he he struggles to make that featherweight division,” Lopez told Submission Radio