Volkanovski vs Lopes: Title Rematch at UFC 325 in Australia

Volkanovski vs. Lopes: Title Rematch Headlines UFC 325

The highly anticipated rematch for the featherweight title between Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes will headline UFC 325, according to UFC CEO Dana White. The 145-pound championship fight will take place at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney. It will be Volkanovski’s first appearance in his home country, Australia, since his failed but exciting attempt for the lightweight title against then-champion Islam Makhachev at UFC 284 in February 2023 in Perth. Volkanovski recovered in the fifth round against Makhachev before losing by unanimous decision. Volkanovski (27-4) will seek his second consecutive title defense against Lopes (27-27). He defeated Lopes by unanimous decision at UFC 314 in April. The championship fight was hard-fought, but not controversial. The judges scored the fight 49-46, 49-46, and 49-45. Lopes forced the immediate rematch by spectacularly knocking out Jean Silva in September. The announcement left several featherweight contenders out of the equation, specifically Movsar Evloev (19-0) and Lerone Murphy (17-0-1). Both took to social media to express their opinions on the confrontation.

Losing the opportunity to fight one of the featherweight GOATS is what hurts me the most. It’s no longer about who is the best. It’s about who is more popular.

Lerone Murphy

Evloev offered to face Murphy in early 2026 to secure the next title opportunity.

Leon Murphy, I will give you the opportunity to fight the number one contender. Tell your people that you are ready to fight me on the same card as the championship.

Movsar Evloev

According to UFC rankings, Evloev and Murphy are ranked number 1 and 4 in the division, respectively. Lopes is ranked number 2.