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Alexander Volkanovski Vs. Diego Lopes Breakdown

Originally posted on BoxingNews.com | Last updated Jan 26, 2026 2:02 AM ET

UFC 325 features a featherweight title rematch between the champ Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes on January 31, as we preview this fight.

Volkanovski reclaimed the vacant belt with a win over Lopes in their first meeting last year at UFC 314. It was the perfect response to his stoppage loss suffered against Ilia Topuria at UFC 298 in 2024. At 37 years old, the Australian is aiming to prove that he still has plenty to give in the sport, as he shut down retirement rumors.

Lopes has been the most active contender in the division since their first clash. Following that unanimous decision loss, he returned in September 2025 to beat the dangerous Jean Silva with a spectacular spinning back elbow TKO. Lopes proved in the first fight that he could hurt Volkanovski—specifically with a thudding uppercut in the fourth round—and his recent form will only increase his confidence.

Pre-Fight

X: @ChampRDS

“I don’t plan on retiring on this one because I’m going to get my hand raised and taking minimal damage, sending a statement, putting on a show for the fans and maybe we’ll see what happens after that, who we’re going to have after that, and maybe it’s going to be a little more appealing fight to retire on,” Volkanovski stated

“I’m sorry guys, but this is my plan. This is my plan for coming here to Australia and taking the belt. This is my dream and this is my whole life. I’ve been working for this for a long time and now I feel like I have the experience for taking the belt. The knockout is coming,” Lopes said

The Approach

In their first fight, Volkanovski successfully neutralized Lopes for the first three rounds by staying just outside of the Brazilian’s reach, landing 158 significant strikes by constantly resetting the center of the Octagon. To win the rematch, Volkanovski will likely use his smothering clinch game and “short-range” wrestling to kill Lopes’ momentum. By pinning Lopes against the fence, Volkanovski can land short elbows and knees, effectively preventing Lopes from finding the space to launch his explosive power shots.

Lopes relies on his physical advantages—he stands 5’11” with a 72-inch reach—to bully shorter opponents. Lopes often uses wild, looping hooks to force an opponent to duck or level change, only to transition instantly into a submission attempt like his signature triangle or guillotine. We saw this in the fourth round of their first fight when he landed a thudding uppercut that nearly finished the champion. His recent TKO of Jean Silva via spinning back elbow proves that Lopes is becoming more comfortable to catch elite strikers.