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Fans furious as UFC pushes surprise Volkanovski vs Diego Lopes rematch

Originally posted on HITC | By Harvey Leonard | Last updated Nov 27, 2025 10:35 AM ET

Alexander Volkanovski’s next opponent hasn’t exactly excited the fanbase.

Alexander Volkanovski’s expected next move inside the UFC featherweight division has sparked fierce backlash among fans. After reclaiming the title by defeating Diego Lopes at UFC 314 this past April, the Australian legend appeared to be heading toward fresh, highly anticipated matchups. Instead, reports suggest the promotion is preparing to book a rematch that very few supporters asked for.

At 37 and nearing the end of a storied career, Volkanovski has only a handful of fights left. With contenders like Movsar Evloev and Lerone Murphy generating genuine excitement, many fans feel the UFC is wasting one of those remaining opportunities. As news of the reported booking spread, frustration quickly turned into accusations that the promotion is jeopardizing its own credibility.

Rematch backlash as UFC reportedly targets Volkanovski vs Lopes 2 for UFC 325

A report from Australian media figure Benny P — who has previously broken major news involving Oceanic fighters — claims that Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes are in line to headline UFC 325 in Sydney on February 1. While Volkanovski had publicly called a fight with Murphy a “no-brainer” after the Brit’s knockout win over Aaron Pico at UFC 319, and long expressed interest in handing the undefeated Movsar Evloev his first loss, the UFC appears to be moving in another direction. Lopes, whom Volkanovski defeated just months ago, is now reportedly set for an immediate rematch.

Fans divided as some call the matchup “a joke” while others defend the decision

Online reaction was swift and overwhelmingly negative. Many argued that the featherweight division has more compelling challengers ready to step up, with comments ranging from “Nobody wants to see this again” to accusations that the UFC is “trying to kill the credibility of their sport.” Critics questioned why Lopes deserved an instant rematch when Evloev and Murphy are both available and building strong cases for a title shot.

Still, not everyone opposed the booking. Some fans claimed Murphy’s résumé remains thin and Evloev has been inactive, while others insisted that Lopes offers the most entertaining stylistic matchup. A few even suggested the UFC may see Lopes as the most favorable option should Volkanovski be at risk against the other top contenders.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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