The stage is set for one of the most anticipated rematches in recent UFC history. At UFC 325, featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski will defend his title against Diego Lopes in the main event.
This bout marks their second meeting after a competitive first fight that went the distance.
With both fighters bringing distinct strengths and career stories into this clash, fans and analysts alike are debating who will walk away with the belt.
Event Overview – UFC 325 Explained
UFC 325 takes place on January 31, 2026 at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia.
The event will feature multiple high-profile bouts, but the centerpiece of the night is the featherweight title rematch between Volkanovski and Lopes.
Fans from across the globe will tune in as the two men exchange striking and grappling over five rounds of championship MMA action.
Before diving into the prediction, let’s take a detailed look at each fighter’s profile and what they bring to this matchup.
Alexander Volkanovski – Champion Profile & Strengths
Alexander Volkanovski
- Age: 37 (as of UFC 325)
- Weight Class: Featherweight (145 lbs)
- Professional Record: 27-4-0
- Height: 5′6″
- Reach: 71″
- Fighting Style: Well-rounded; high volume striking, solid grappling base
Volkanovski needs little introduction in MMA circles. The Australian standout has cemented himself as one of the sport’s elite featherweights, capturing and defending the UFC title on multiple occasions.
With 27 career wins against top competition, he consistently mixes pace, volume, and pressure to control his opponents.
His ability to absorb and deliver significant strikes, along with quality takedown defense and tenacious cardio, makes him hard to beat in five-round fights.
In their first meeting at UFC 314, Volkanovski emerged victorious by unanimous decision after five full rounds of action.
The champion showed discipline and strategic precision, outlasting Lopes over the distance despite some adversity in individual rounds.
Volkanovski isn’t just a powerful striker, he is also experienced at managing championship bouts.
His striking accuracy sits above 50%, and he averages more takedowns per fight than many other top featherweights.
His defensive metrics are strong, helping him avoid big shots and stay active late into championship rounds.
Diego Lopes – Challenger Profile & Upside
Diego Lopes
- Age: 31 (as of UFC 325)
- Weight Class: Featherweight (145 lbs)
- Professional Record: 27-7-0
- Height: 5′11″
- Reach: 72.5″
- Fighting Style: Aggressive striker with finishing instincts
Diego Lopes has quietly climbed the ranks in the featherweight division due to a mix of striking power and dynamic offense.
Standing taller and with a slightly longer reach than Volkanovski, Lopes doesn’t shy away from exchanges.
His 27 wins include striking and grappling finishes, revealing an ability to end fights in multiple ways.
Lopes rebounded from his loss to Volkanovski by knocking out Jean Silva in an impressive performance that earned him a title shot.
This shows he doesn’t just challenge top competition, he finishes strong when the moment counts.
His statistics reveal a fighter who lands significant strikes at a solid pace and isn’t afraid to absorb shots to press the action.
Lopes’ striking accuracy and higher absorb rate demonstrate his true war-fighter mentality, often engaging in firefights rather than circling away.
Physically, Lopes’ height and reach give him natural advantages in stand-up exchanges.
If he can keep the fight at range and land his power shots early, he has the potential to disrupt Volkanovski’s rhythm and rack up rounds on volume.
Tale of the Tape – Side-by-Side Comparison
| Statistic | Alexander Volkanovski | Diego Lopes |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 27-4-0 | 27-7-0 |
| Age | 37 | 31 |
| Height | 5′6″ | 5′11″ |
| Reach | 71″ | 72.5″ |
| Strikes Landed/Min | Higher | Moderate |
| Striking Accuracy | ~56% | ~48% |
| Defense | ~58% | ~47% |
| Takedown Avg. | Higher | Lower |
| Championship Experience | Extensive | Limited |
Prediction – Who Takes the Title at UFC 325?
Analyzing both fighters’ strengths, the edge clearly leans toward Volkanovski based on experience, fight IQ, and championship composure.
His ability to pace himself over five rounds makes him especially dangerous in title fights.
Although Lopes slices space with reach and aggression, Volkanovski’s defensive metrics and championship experience give him a measurable advantage.
In the first encounter, Volkanovski secured the win over five rounds by outlanding his opponent and managing distance and octagon control.
This shows he understands how to neutralize Lopes’ offense when under pressure.
However, Lopes should not be underestimated. His knockout victory leading up to this rematch earned him back the title shot and demonstrates his finishing capability.
If he catches Volkanovski early with precision power or capitalizes on a mistimed entry, Lopes could change the narrative.
Projected Outcome: Alexander Volkanovski wins by decision or late rounds based on control and volume striking.
Volkanovski’s adaptability and strategic fighting style should allow him to handle Lopes’ reach and aggression while scoring with clean strikes.
Lopes will threaten in spurts, especially early, but Volkanovski’s conditioning and championship experience give him the upper hand to prevail over five rounds.
Final Thoughts
UFC 325 is more than a rematch; it’s a statement fight for both men. Volkanovski seeks to cement his legacy with another title defense, while Lopes aims to prove that his championship opportunity was well earned.
Regardless of the outcome, this showdown promises compelling action and technical striking, giving fight fans a thrilling main event.