BREAKING NEWS: A highly anticipated featherweight title rematch between Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes has been confirmed for UFC 325 on January 31, 2024. UFC CEO Dana White made the urgent announcement today, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney.
This fight marks Volkanovski’s long-awaited return to his home country of Australia, following his narrow defeat to Islam Makhachev in February 2023 during UFC 284. Volkanovski (27-4) is eager to defend his title for the second consecutive time against Lopes (27-27), after edging him out by unanimous decision at UFC 314 in April. That previous bout was tightly contested, with judges scoring it 49-46, 49-46, and 49-45.
Lopes earned this rematch after a stunning knockout victory over Jean Silva in September, demonstrating his readiness to reclaim the championship title. The stakes couldn’t be higher as both fighters aim to solidify their legacies in the octagon.
The announcement has left notable contenders like Movsar Evloev (19-0) and Lerone Murphy (17-0-1) feeling sidelined. Murphy expressed his disappointment on social media, stating, “Missing the opportunity to fight one of the featherweights [GOATS] is what hurts me the most.” Meanwhile, Evloev extended an invitation to Murphy to face him in early 2026, aiming to determine the next title contender.
With Evloev and Murphy currently ranked Nos. 1 and 4 in the featherweight division, respectively, the competitive landscape is heating up as they voice their frustrations over the current title matchup. Lopes currently holds the No. 2 ranking, intensifying the rivalry within the division.
As fans gear up for this electrifying rematch, all eyes will be on UFC 325. Expect more developments as fight night approaches, with ticket sales and promotional events likely to follow soon.
Stay tuned for updates as we continue to cover this breaking story. The urgency and excitement surrounding Volkanovski vs. Lopes promise to deliver an unforgettable night for MMA fans worldwide.
