Volkanovski Secures Second Victory Over Lopes in UFC 325 Main Event
Alexander Volkanovski has solidified his position as the UFC featherweight champion with a decisive points win over Diego Lopes in the main event of UFC 325, held in Sydney on Saturday. This victory marks the second time in nine months that the Australian fighter, affectionately known as "Volk," has outpointed his Brazilian challenger, extending his second reign as the division's king.
Dominant Performance on Home Soil
The fight took place on Volkanovski's home turf in Sydney, where he delivered a commanding performance. The judges scored the bout 49-46, 49-46, and 50-45 in his favour, demonstrating an improvement over his previous encounter with Lopes in April, which ended with scores of 49-46, 49-46, and 48-47. At 37 years old, Volkanovski showcased his enduring skill and adaptability in the octagon.
Strategic Mastery in the Rematch
Despite low fan excitement for the rematch, with many believing the ageing champion could handle Lopes again, Volkanovski proved them right with a well-rounded display. He effectively out-struck Lopes at range, landing hard and timely counters, and navigated through several precarious grappling exchanges. Volkanovski even attempted sporadic takedowns, aiming to exhibit the full range of his fighting tools.
In a post-fight interview in the cage, Volkanovski reflected on the challenges, stating, "It ain't getting any easier. Camp was a lot of things going on in there. We pushed through. Sometimes things go wrong, but I'm like: 'Let's go, that's more of a challenge.' It fires me up even more." He emphasised his ability to make adjustments on the fly, crediting his grit and determination as key factors in his success.
Background and Context of the Bout
Volkanovski's first fight with Lopes was for the vacant featherweight title, which Ilia Topuria had relinquished a year after knocking out Volkanovski. Since reclaiming the gold, the Australian had been inactive, while Lopes rebounded in September with a stunning knockout victory over Jean Silva. This rematch served as a testament to Volkanovski's resilience and tactical prowess in the face of a younger opponent.
Co-Main Event Highlights
In the co-main event, fan favourite Dan Hooker suffered a TKO loss to Benoit Saint-Denis, with the Frenchman finishing the Kiwi fighter late in the second round. This result added to the night's dramatic outcomes, underscoring the unpredictable nature of UFC competitions.
Overall, UFC 325 delivered thrilling action, with Volkanovski's victory standing out as a highlight of his storied career, reinforcing his legacy as one of the sport's true champions.
