UPDATE: A highly anticipated featherweight title rematch between Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes is officially scheduled for UFC 325 on January 31, 2024, as confirmed by UFC CEO Dana White today. This championship bout will take place at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, marking Volkanovski’s first fight in Australia since his narrow defeat in a lightweight title challenge against Islam Makhachev at UFC 284 in February 2023.
Fans are buzzing with excitement as Volkanovski (record: 27-4) aims to defend his title for the second consecutive time against Lopes (record: 27-27). Volkanovski previously defeated Lopes by unanimous decision at UFC 314 in April 2023, with judges scoring that fight 49-46, 49-46, and 49-45. Lopes, however, earned this rematch by delivering a stunning knockout against Jean Silva in September, solidifying his place as a top contender.
The decision to schedule this rematch has left several featherweight challengers, including Movsar Evloev and Lerone Murphy, feeling sidelined. Both fighters took to social media to express their disappointment. “Missing the opportunity to fight one of the featherweights [GOATS] is what hurts me the most,” Murphy wrote on X. Meanwhile, Evloev offered Murphy a chance to compete against him to secure a future title shot, stating, “Leon Murphy, I will give you the opportunity to fight the number one contender.”
As the fight date approaches, fans are eager to see whether Volkanovski can defend his title on home soil or if Lopes will reclaim victory after their previous encounter. With both fighters coming off impressive performances, this rematch is shaping up to be a defining moment in the featherweight division.
Stay tuned for more updates as UFC 325 draws near, and expect the intensity to rise as both fighters prepare for the showdown that could change the landscape of the featherweight title race.
