A couple of former UFC standouts turned analysts are backing Diego Lopes to spring a major upset against Alex Volkanovski in their blockbuster rematch.
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.
As anticipation builds ahead of the UFC 325 headliner, Anthony Smith and Din Thomas believe the Brazilian powerhouse will get his hand raised against Australia’s greatest ever MMA fighter.
Their first fight at UFC 314 in Miami last April ended in a unanimous decision loss for Lopes, and Smith and Thomas believe Lopes has bridged the gap since.
“Lopes is younger, stronger and faster than Volkanovski,” Smith wrote in his ESPN column.
“I think he will make the necessary adjustments going into the rematch.
“There were a couple of times Volkanovski appeared to be close to getting knocked out in the first fight, but he willed himself back.
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“The only difference now is that more time has passed, and Volkanovski is even older.
“In the first fight, it seemed that Lopes assumed he would catch Volkanovski with a big shot and put him out, and Lopes had to reset when it didn’t happen.
“This time, he should be more patient. I love the determination from Volkanovski, but the time between fights doesn’t help him, and it definitely doesn’t hurt Lopes.”
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Thomas echoed those sentiments and emphasised the KO power that Lopes possesses.
“Volkanovski won last time, but he wasn’t able to take Lopes down,” he said.
“The first fight looked pretty easy for Volkanovski, but if Lopes can keep it on the feet again, he’ll be able to string together better combinations.
“He’s got power that can give Volkanovski problems. Volkanovski is a gamer; he’s down to fight anybody and challenge himself.
“Lopes, however, is not here for a challenge, he’s looking to hurt you.
“I think there will be situations in this fight where he can hurt Volkanovski.
“Diego will put together a stream of violence that will eventually catch up to Volkanovski.”
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Meanwhile, former featherweight king and UFC cult hero Max Holloway is tipping Volkanovski to put on another masterclass.
Holloway faced the Aussie three times and knows the danger he presents.
“I feel like Alex has something we don’t know because Alex has been going around saying he’s gonna make this fight look super easy,” Holloway said.
“I think he wants to turn around quick and fight…
“At the end of the day, I can’t go against Alex.
“I’m leaning towards Alex just because of his overall experience.”
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