A win in Miami will be the "biggest part" of Alexander Volkanovski's fabled Ultimate Fighting Championship story as the Australian seeks to defy history in his featherweight title bout.

Volkanovski returns to the UFC octagon for the first time in over a year on Sunday (AEST) after losing the 145-pound title to Ilia Topuria via knockout in early 2024.

The 36-year-old former featherweight champion, who notched five successful title defences between 2020 and 2023, is the top-ranked contender in the division.

His opponent is Brazilian No.3-ranked contender Diego Lopes who boasts a five-fight win streak and a 26-win, six-loss record at featherweight.

Both have their eyes firmly set on the title in Sunday's headline event at the Kaseya Centre after Topuria vacated the belt and moved up to lightweight.

But Volkanovski believes championship words are already being written in his storied journey through the UFC even though fighters 35 and older are 0-17 in UFC title fights at 155 pounds and lighter.

"Winning the belt now, and the timing, would be the biggest part of my story," he said.

"(Lopes) is a very dangerous fighter, great jiu jitsu, power in the hands, always looking for the finish so you've gotta respect that.

"I just believe I'm the best and I'm going to prove that Saturday night."

Lopes has a 12cm height advantage over his Australian opponent and it was evident at the official face-off in Miami.

The Brazilian boasts power in his striking and lethal groundwork, and holds a black belt in jiu jitsu. In his time in the UFC, Lopes has 12 wins through submission, 10 via knockout and 15 first-round finishes.

Face-offs and pre-fight press conferences usually involve verbal barbs between fighters set to square off, but Lopes had to be separated by security when getting in a heated altercation with another featherweight, Yair Rodriguez.

Volkanovski sat bewildered in between the pair as their exchange fired up the Kaseya Centre.

Lopes eventually gathered himself and heaped praise on Volkanovski, but under the brim of a cowboy hat told fans it was his time to take the top mantle.

"Volkanovski is a legend in the sport, I've followed him for a long time. But now is my time for taking the belt," he said.

The Australian is a fan-favourite in the UFC and considered one of the greatest of all time in his division.

Former rugby league star Shaun Johnson had the final question to Volkanovski at the pre-fight press conference and asked what the 36-year-old's final message to his fans is.

"I've been feeling the love so much the past year," Volkanovski replied with a smile.

"I appreciate every single one of you, and I'm bringing that "f******" belt back to Australia. It's coming with me, baby, lets go!"

The main event at UFC 314 Miami begins at 12pm Sunday (AEST).