UPDATE: A highly anticipated rematch between Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes is officially set to headline UFC 325 on January 31, 2024, at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney. UFC CEO Dana White confirmed the news just moments ago, igniting excitement among fight fans worldwide.
This championship bout is crucial for Volkanovski, who is looking to defend his featherweight title for the second time after claiming victory over Lopes at UFC 314 in April via unanimous decision. The judges scored that contest 49-46, 49-46, and 49-45, indicating a closely fought battle. Now, Lopes, determined to claim the title, earned his shot by delivering a stunning knockout against Jean Silva in September.
Volkanovski’s return to Australia marks his first appearance in his home country since his narrow defeat to Islam Makhachev in February 2023 at UFC 284. That match was a nail-biter, with Volkanovski rallying fiercely in the final round before losing by a tight unanimous decision. The upcoming rematch against Lopes is not just about the title; it’s a chance for Volkanovski to reclaim his dominance on home turf.
The announcement has stirred significant reactions among other featherweight contenders. Movsar Evloev (19-0) and Lerone Murphy (17-0-1), ranked Nos. 1 and 4 in the division respectively, expressed their disappointment over being sidelined from this championship opportunity. Murphy took to social media, stating, “Missing the opportunity to fight one of the featherweights [GOATS] is what hurts me the most. It’s not about who’s the best anymore. It’s about who’s most popular.”
Evloev, not to be outdone, offered a potential matchup against Murphy in early 2026 to solidify the next title shot, saying, “Lerone Murphy, I will give you the opportunity to fight the number one contender. Tell your people [you’re] ready to fight me on the same card as the championship.”
As the date approaches, all eyes will be on Volkanovski and Lopes. This rematch promises to be a defining moment in both fighters’ careers and could reshape the landscape of the featherweight division. With stakes this high, fans are urged to mark their calendars for January 31, 2024, as we await more updates leading to the event.
Stay tuned for further developments as UFC 325 draws closer, and expect to see heated exchanges in the lead-up to this monumental fight. The buzz around this rematch is palpable, and it’s clear that the featherweight division is brimming with excitement!