← UFC 325: Volkanovski vs. Lopes 2
UFC Featherweight Title fight

Alexander Volkanovski VS Diego Lopes

Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney, Australia

Tale of the Tape

29-4-0 Record 28-8-0
37 Age 31
168 cm Height 180 cm
182 cm Reach 184 cm
orthodox Stance orthodox
59% Finish rate 86%
48% KO rate 43%
10% Sub rate 43%

Result Summary

Alexander Volkanovski def. Diego Lopes Decision (unanimous) · R5 5:00

In the main event, Alexander Volkanovski successfully defended his featherweight title against Diego Lopes via unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 50-45), tying Jose Aldo's record for division title defenses. The fight mirrored their first encounter, with Volkanovski using elite footwork and fundamentals to neutralize Lopes' aggressive surges. While Lopes displayed immense grit and a granite chin, absorbing heavy combinations throughout the 25 minutes, he struggled to corner the champion. Volkanovski consistently intercepted the Brazilian's forward movement with cleaner strikes and stiff jabs. Lopes had moments of success in the middle rounds but ultimately had no answer for the champion's volume and defensive mastery.

Fight Overview

A high-stakes rematch for the Featherweight crown. Alexander Volkanovski, the division's greatest technician, looks to defend his reclaimed belt against the surging Diego Lopes. Their first meeting in mid-2025 was a tactical chess match where Volkanovski's volume edged out Lopes' dangerous submission threats. Now, with Lopes having refined his striking defense and Volkanovski battling the 'age curve', this fight represents the classic 'King vs. Prince' narrative. Lopes' ability to create chaos in the pocket versus Volkanovski's mastery of range and feints is the central dynamic.

Keys to Victory

Alexander Volkanovski

  1. Weaponize the feints: Use constant twitching and level changes to freeze Lopes and prevent him from setting his feet for power shots.
  2. Anti-Jiu-Jitsu scrambling: Refuse to settle in the guard; if taken down, immediately scramble to standing rather than accepting a defensive holding position.
  3. Leg kick disruption: Target Lopes' lead leg early to compromise his explosive forward blitzes.

Diego Lopes

  1. Create chaos in the pocket: Force high-variance exchanges where his power and chin give him the advantage over the technical champion.
  2. Jump the guillotine/back takes: Utilize his world-class transition grappling to threaten submissions during Volkanovski's takedown entries.
  3. Check the calf kick: Volkanovski relies on low kicks to build rhythm; checking them early will force the champ to reset.

Last 5 fights

Alexander Volkanovski

  1. W Diego Lopes Decision · R5 5:00 · 12 APR 2025
  2. L Ilia Topuria KO · R2 3:32 · 17 FEB 2024
  3. L Islam Makhachev KO · R1 3:06 · 21 OCT 2023
  4. W Yair Rodríguez TKO · R3 4:19 · 8 JUL 2023
  5. L Islam Makhachev Decision · R5 5:00 · 12 FEB 2023

Diego Lopes

  1. W Jean Silva TKO · R2 4:48 · 13 SEPT 2025
  2. L Alexander Volkanovski Decision · R5 5:00 · 12 APR 2025
  3. W Brian Ortega Decision · R3 5:00 · 14 SEPT 2024
  4. W Dan Ige Decision · R3 5:00 · 29 JUN 2024
  5. W Sodiq Yusuff TKO · R1 1:29 · 13 APR 2024

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AI-generated This analysis was generated with AI and may contain errors.

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