Volkanovski's Masterclass: Dominating Lopes at UFC 325

Who's the Champion? A Featherweight Legacy

February 1, 2026, will be remembered not just for the spectacular fights of UFC 325 held at Sydney Olympic Park, but for another thrilling title defense by Alexander Volkanovski. The New South Wales native, at 29-4-0, is carving a path that is fast solidifying him as one of the greatest in UFC history.

A Tactical Showcase Against Lopes

Volkanovski faced off against Diego Lopes (27-8-0) with the weight of expectation heavy on his shoulders. Winning decisively on all judges' scorecards—49-46, 49-46, and 50-45—Volkanovski's performance can only be described as a tactical masterclass, combining precision punches and stellar footwork. The crowd's energy was electric, constantly cheering as they witnessed their champion in action.

“We were ready for him to make the right adjustments; his team did a good job,” said Volkanovski reflection on Lopes' strategies.

Breaking Down the Fight

The fight unfolded over five intense rounds, with Volkanovski shaking off any trace of rust from his previous match with Lopes at UFC 314. After a cautious first round filled with feints, it was the second round where Volkanovski began to gain momentum with creativity and confidence, launching attempts at a jumped guillotine and a rear-naked choke.

• Second Round: Volkanovski began to show his tactical prowess with unrelenting pressure.
• Third Round: Both fighters landed heavy strikes, but it was Volkanovski's double-right that staggered Lopes.

Yet, it was not without difficulty; Lopes landed a quick strike that put Volkanovski on his knees momentarily, symbolizing that Lopes was still very much in the fight.

Volkanovski's Reflections on the Fight

“I wanted to grab a hold of him and put him down. But he was strong; I didn't want to stand for 25 minutes, I'll be honest,” Volkanovski candidly admitted after the match. His willingness to admit the fierce competition Lopes presented only adds to his character both in and out of the octagon.

“But we got the job done.”

A Featherweight Record in Sight

This victory tied Volkanovski with Jose Aldo for the most title fight wins in UFC featherweight history, with a staggering eight. And with the crowd chanting his name, it was clear that this match was more than just a title defense; it was a chapter in a grand legacy that has no signs of slowing down.

The Co-Main Showdown

UFC 325 was not just about Volkanovski; the co-main event delivered fan excitement with No. 8 lightweight Benoit Saint Denis (17-3-0) achieving a technical knockout of No. 6 Dan Hooker (24-14-0) at 4:45 of the second round. Saint Denis had not seen a third round since his UFC debut, showcasing a ground-and-pound strategy that left the audience mesmerized.

Lightweight bouts continued to surprise, with No. 14 Mauricio Ruffy (13-2-0) using power punches to secure a technical knockout over No. 9 Rafael Fiziev (13-5-0) at 4:30 of the second round. These finishes added fuel to an already fire-filled evening.

Final Thoughts

As the arena cleared, one thing is certain: Volkanovski proved again why he is not just a champion, but a performer who thrives under pressure. The tactical breakdown of his game, the adjustments made in real-time, and the respect shown to his opponent solidify his position. UFC fans, stay tuned—this champion shows no signs of slowing down. He's ready for more challenges, and I can't wait to see who stands across the octagon from him next!