URGENT UPDATE: A highly anticipated featherweight title rematch between Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes is officially set to headline UFC 325 on January 31, 2024, at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney. The announcement was made by UFC CEO Dana White just moments ago, igniting excitement among MMA fans worldwide.
This championship bout marks Volkanovski’s first return to Australia since his thrilling yet heartbreaking performance against Islam Makhachev in February 2023, where he narrowly lost a unanimous decision in a lightweight title fight at UFC 284. With a professional record of 27-4, Volkanovski is aiming to defend his title for the second consecutive time against Lopes, who currently holds a record of 27-27.
The two fighters previously faced off at UFC 314 in April, where Volkanovski secured victory via unanimous decision, with judges scoring the bout 49-46, 49-46, and 49-45. Lopes’s impressive knockout of Jean Silva in September secured him this rematch, escalating the stakes for both fighters.
The announcement has left several featherweight contenders feeling sidelined, particularly Movsar Evloev and Lerone Murphy, who were vocal on social media about missing the opportunity to compete for the title. Murphy expressed his frustration, stating, “Missing the opportunity to fight one of the featherweights [GOATS] is what hurts me the most,” while Evloev proposed a fight with Murphy in early 2026 to determine the next title challenger.
As the countdown to UFC 325 begins, fans and analysts alike will be closely watching the developments leading up to this monumental fight. Volkanovski’s homecoming, coupled with Lopes’s quest for redemption, promises to deliver an electrifying atmosphere at the arena.
Stay tuned for more updates as this developing story unfolds.
