UFC accused of ‘killing their credibility’ by reportedly booking title fight nobody wants to see

Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes 2 reportedly set for UFC 325

A couple of names have been leading the way in fan discussions when it comes to who should be the first challenger in Volkanovski’s second reign.

The champ himself has long expressed interest in fighting the undefeated Movsar Evloev, seeing the chance to take the Russian’s ‘0’ as an enticing opportunity.

Meanwhile, Lerone Murphy’s knockout against Aaron Pico at UFC 319 this past August looked to have cemented him as the next in line. Volkanovski called the Murphy fight a “no-brainer” after the Chicago event.

Alexander Volkanovski made it clear who he wanted to fight after UFC 319, and it was not Diego Lopes…

You couldn’t have scripted it any better. You get a guy who goes in and does a massive knockout like that on a big card, on a nine-fight win streak — I think it’s a bit of a no-brainer… Lerone Murphy, congratulations, see you soon.

The UFC, however, has evidently seen things differently.

Benny P is an Australian media figure who has broken news relating to Oceanic fighters in the past, such as Khamzat Chimaev’s withdrawal from the UFC Saudi Arabia main event against Robert Whittaker in 2024.

He recently took to X to reveal that a rematch between Volkanovski and Lopes is in line to headline UFC 325 in Sydney, Australia, on February 1.

Fans frustrated as UFC seemingly decides on a controversial featherweight rematch

It did not take long for fans online to give their thoughts on the apparent plan to have Lopes challenge Volkanovski Down Under.

The vast majority pushed back on the questionable rematch, insisting the UFC had far more intriguing and fresher options for the featherweight king.

“I love Diego, but this is such a joke. Volk’s last win was… DIEGO. Such backwards matchmaking.”

“Nobody wants to see this again.”

“I’m sick of rematches.”

“Why should Lopes get an immediate rematch when Evloev and Murphy are right there?!”

“Are the UFC trying to kill the credibility of their sport? Are you kidding me? Volk literally just schooled Lopes.”

“Playing with Volk’s legacy.”

“Truly zero interest in that matchup. I was led to believe the UFC is created on matching the best fighting only the very best. But it’s pretty obvious we’re just doing the most marketable versus the most marketable.”

“This better not be true.”

“Man so disappointing. I don’t want to watch these two again. I really want to see Volk vs someone new.

Others, though, defended the booking and explained why neither Murphy nor Evloev are more deserving.

“Murphy’s best win is a ranked 10 (Josh) Emmett or a debutant Pico, and Movsar hasn’t fought in ages. Neither deserve the title shot.”

“Why people don’t want this to be true? It’s undeniably the most entertaining title fight they can make, and there’s no one who deserves it more than him.”

“Company is smart, they know Volk probably loses to each of the 3 contenders available. Lopes being the one to beat him is best for numbers.”

“Lopes going to show that last fight was a fluke.”