Alex Volkanovski’s march toward MMA immortality continues this weekend as the UFC featherweight kingpin prepares to defend his strap against Diego Lopes in the headline act at UFC 325.
The showdown marks Volk’s first world title defence on Australian soil and his first fight in Sydney in nearly a decade, making fight week a major event for the city.
UFC 325: Volkanovski vs Lopes 2 | SUN 1 FEB 1PM AEDT | For the first time in his storied career, UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski will defend his championship in his home city of Sydney, in a rematch with Brazil’s Diego Lopes. | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports.
For the Wollongong icon, it will be the second time in only 10 months he has faced Lopes, having earned a comprehensive decision win over the Brazilian powerhouse back in April last year at UFC 314.
The card is stacked from top to bottom, with Kiwi Dan Hooker taking on French star Benoît Saint‑Denis in the co‑main, while popular heavyweight Tai Tuivasa returns to the UFC to lock horns with towering Tallison Teixeira.
Rising local star Quillan Salkilld and veteran Jamie Mullarkey also collide in a lightweight banger, rounding out a card packed with knockout potential.
HOW WILL THE MAIN EVENT PLAY OUT?
Volk will probably do what he’s done to just about everyone else – set a hard pace, stay mobile, pile up the numbers and take control round by round.
His big-fight experience and insane cardio should see him drag Lopes into deep waters and grind out another victory.
But there’s plenty of respect for Lopes’ danger, especially early on.
Some are saying that his best shot is to make it ugly, turn it into a scrap and try to catch Volk in a scramble or submission before the champ really gets going.
Lopes told Fox Sports Australia that he has learned from his last fight with Volk and is coming with a new game plan.
WHAT ABOUT THE CO-MAIN?
BSD will likely come out like a man possessed, apply pressure and try to drag Dan Hooker into scrambles.
If the French former special forces soldier can get his hands on the Kiwi and force grappling exchanges, he’s got the tools to overwhelm him and get a finish before either of them work up a sweat.
But Hooker is crafty and has plenty of experience against the toughest lightweights in the world.
If Hangman can keep it standing, weather the early storm and turn it into a dogfight, the tide could swing.
Hooker should have success if he can utelise his range, especially his kicks, and keep the ‘God of War’ out of his face.
If it goes late, a tired BSD trading leather with Hooker in front of a loud Sydney crowd is a dangerous place to be.
HOW TO WATCH
Aussie fight fans can catch all the action for UFC 325 LIVE on Main Event via Kayo.
Main Event on Kayo Sports and Foxtel is the exclusive home of UFC Pay-Per-View.
Fox Sports Australia will also be running a live blog of the event.
WHEN IS IT?
UFC 325 takes place on Sunday 01 February (Australian time) at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney.
MAIN CARD START TIME (All times AEDT)
NSW, Victoria, Tasmania, ACT – 1:00pm AEDT
South Australia – 12:30pm ACDT
Queensland – 12:00pm AEST
Northern Territory – 11:30am ACST
Western Australia – 10:00am AWST
UFC 325 FIGHT CARD
Main card
Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes 2; Featherweight Title
Dan Hooker vs. Benoit Saint Denis; Lightweight
Rafael Fiziev vs. Mauricio Ruffy; Lightweight
Tai Tuivasa vs. Tallison Teixeira; Heavyweight
Quillan Salkilld vs. Jamie Mullarkey; Lightweight
Prelims
Junior Tafa vs. Billy Elekana; Heavyweight
Cam Rowston vs. Cody Brundage; Middleweight
Jacob Malkoun vs. Torrez Finney; Light heavyweight
Jonathan Micallef vs. Oban Elliott; Welterweight
Early prelims
Kaan Ofli vs. Yizha; Featherweight
Sangwook Kim vs. Dom Mar Fan; Lightweight
Keiichiro Nakamura vs. Sebastian Szalay; Featherweight
Sulangrangbo vs. Lawrence Lui; Bantamweight
Aaron Tau vs. Namsrai Batbayar; Flyweight
MORE UFC 325 NEWS
‘ISN’T WHAT IT USED TO BE’: Pros turn on Aussie icon with shock UFC Sydney prediction
‘NOT WHAT I’D BE WANTING’: Volk warned of ‘unnecessary risk’ in huge career first
TALE OF THE TAPE
Alexander Volkanovski
Age: 37
Height: 5’ 6”
Reach: 71”
Stance: Orthodox
Record: 27-4
Diego Lopes
Age: 30
Height: 5’ 11”
Reach: 72”
Stance: Orthodox
Record: 27-7
Volk confident of a finish against Lopes | 06:06
BETTING ODDS FOR FEATURES (via TAB)
Volk $1.72 to win, $4.25 to win via KO/TKO, $2.70 via decision, $19.00 via submission
Lopes $2.15 to win, $4.25 to win via KO/TKO, $8.00 via decision, $7.50 via submission
PREDICTIONS
Nick Walshaw: Volkanovski via decision
While Diego Lopes, undeniably, has that puncher’s chance in every sense, I just can’t see him fighting this one any way other than however the greatest UFC featherweight who ever lived dictates. Yes, the Brazilian is durable. And boasts the type of equalizer that rocked the champ in fight one and, at 37, will have him on notice. But first time around, Volk had exits, counters, answers. This Sunday it should be no different
James Cooney: Volkanovski via decision
I’m predicting a similar result to the first fight between these two, with Volk avoiding the heavy artillery and cruising to a decision victory. But this time I think he will win every round. They call him ‘The Great’ for a reason.
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