Volkanovski outpoints Diego Lopes again in Sydney, retains featherweight title at UFC 325

Alexander Volkanovski proved the gap is still there.

Fighting in Sydney at UFC 325, Volkanovski defeated Diego Lopes by unanimous decision to retain the UFC featherweight title, turning back the challenger for the second time and doing it with the same hallmarks that have defined his best nights: control, composure, and constant problem-solving.

Lopes came in determined to make the rematch messier, more physical, and more dangerous than their first meeting. He had moments, especially when he managed to draw Volkanovski into bigger exchanges, but Volkanovski rarely stayed where Lopes wanted him. He used footwork and timing to break rhythm, picked off entries with crisp counters, and kept resetting the fight back to a pace he could manage.

As the rounds wore on, the champion’s consistency became the difference. Volkanovski mixed in enough grappling and clinch control to blunt Lopes’ forward pressure, then returned to the striking with volume and accuracy that kept the challenger working without payoff. Lopes stayed game, but he struggled to string together long stretches of momentum, and Volkanovski made sure every surge was met with an answer.

When the scorecards were read, Volkanovski had done more than defend his belt. He closed the rematch decisively, reminded everyone why he is still the standard at 145, and left the division with a clear message. If you want the title, you need more than danger. You need a way to solve Volkanovski.

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