Alexander Volkanovski reacts as controversial Diego Lopes rematch confirmed for UFC 325
Alexander Volkanovski is set to defend his featherweight title against Diego Lopes in Sydney at UFC 325 on January 31, 2026.
The pair initially met back in April 2025 at UFC 314, where Volkanovski defeated Lopes by unanimous decision to claim the belt that was recently vacated by Ilia Topuria at the time.
It was arguably the feel-good moment of the year, as a 36-year-old Volkanovski snapped his two-fight losing streak against all odds to become a two-time champion at 145 pounds.
However, the decision for the Australian to rematch Lopes for the first title defence of his second reign has sparked controversy within the MMA community, with Volkanovski having his say on his upcoming bout.
Here, Sports News Blitz's Niall Togher breaks down the reaction from both men and the controversy surrounding the rematch.
Israel Adesanya sends warning to Islam Makhachev ahead of UFC 322 - ‘He’s going to get hurt’
Israel Adesanya does not think Islam Makhachev’s move up to welterweight will go as planned for the Russian at UFC 322, reports Sports News Blitz’s Niall Togher.
MMA news: Jon Jones makes shocking Tom Aspinall admission after UFC 321
Jon Jones was not impressed with Tom Aspinall’s performance against Ciryl Gane before the eye poke that the Englishman endured prematurely ended the bout at UFC 321 just under a fortnight ago, on October 25.
Here, Sports News Blitz’s Niall Togher breaks down Jones’ comments and what they could mean for the heavyweight division moving forward.
MMA news: Aspinall warns Gane not to engage ahead of heavyweight UFC clash in Abu Dhabi
Tom Aspinall has warned Ciryl Gane not to engage ahead of a huge fight for the UFC heavyweight belt in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Will Thomas has all you need to know.
UFC betting tips: Cory Sandhagen to neutralise Deiveson Figueiredo, and Bo Nickal to defeat Reiner de Ridder
The UFC Fight Night card in Des Moines, Iowa, goes down this Saturday and is headlined by two top bantamweight contenders looking to get back on track when Cory Sandhagen faces Deiveson Figueiredo.
In the co-main event, one of the most hyped prospects in MMA, Bo Nickal, faces the toughest test of his career so far when he takes on Reiner de Ridder.
In this article, Sports News Blitz’s MMA tipster Niall Togher previews both matchups and gives his predictions.
MMA news: Dustin Poirier talks retirement fight against Max Holloway at UFC 318
Two fan favourites are set to collide to complete their trilogy when Dustin Poirier takes on Max Holloway at UFC 318 for Holloway’s ‘BMF’ title.
The fight will be the last of Poirier’s legendary career, as ‘The Diamond’ will get the chance to retire in his home state of Louisiana.
Dustin Poirier welcomed a 19-year-old Max Holloway into the UFC for his debut fight back in 2012, writes Sports News Blitz’s MMA expert Niall Togher.
The pair then went on to have one of the best fights in UFC history in 2019 for the interim lightweight title, with Poirier beating Holloway on both occasions.
Now Holloway is the one to give Poirier the last fight of his career and attempt to gain revenge.
MMA news: Dricus du Plessis dismisses injury rumours ahead of potential Khamzat Chimaev bout
Sports News Blitz MMA expert Niall Togher breaks down the latest surrounding Dricus Du Plessis, who has firmly denied injury rumours ahead of a potential clash with Khamzat Chimaev.
As speculation swirls about a possible showdown at International Fight Week, Du Plessis has made it clear he's still in control of the middleweight title picture.
MMA news: ‘I’m going to get him back’ - Israel Adesanya targets rematch against Sean Strickland
MMA expert Niall Togher of Sports News Blitz brings the latest on Israel Adesanya, who has set his sights on a rematch with Sean Strickland.
After a period of reflection and setbacks, Adesanya says he’s ready to return and settle the score.
MMA news: ‘I don’t see where he can beat me’ Paddy Pimblett talks UFC 314 fight against Michael Chandler
Sports News Blitz MMA expert Niall Togher breaks down Paddy Pimblett’s bold claims ahead of the toughest test of his UFC career.
With a co-main event slot coming up, Pimblett looks to shake off the "prospect" label and cement himself as a top-tier lightweight by taking out former title challenger Michael Chandler.
MMA news: ‘I just knew I was going to break him!’ Sean Brady recaps his dominant win over Leon Edwards
Sean Brady has shaken up the welterweight division with his victory over Leon Edwards at UFC London.
Sports News Blitz writer Niall Togher breaks down the dominant performance that has put Brady on the fast track to UFC stardom.
MMA news: Leon Edwards to get back on track with a win over Sean Brady
The UFC returns to London this Saturday as former welterweight champion Leon Edwards looks to bounce back with a victory against Sean Brady.
A win for either fighter would put them on the cusp of a title shot, with Edwards currently ranked No. 1 in the division and Brady sitting at No. 5.
MMA news: Leon Edwards talks loss to Belal Muhammad and previews UFC London matchup
Leon Edwards returns to action this Saturday for the first time since losing his UFC Welterweight title against Belal Muhammad at UFC 304.
The former champion will take on the number 5 ranked contender, Sean Brady, as the Brit hopes to get another shot at the title with a win.
Here, Sports News Blitz’s MMA expert Niall Togher previews the fight.
MMA news: Marvin Vettori to mark his return with another win over Roman Dolidze
Marvin Vettori is set to make his long-awaited return to the Octagon at UFC Fight Night 254, where he faces a familiar foe in Roman Dolidze.
Here, Sports News Blitz MMA writer Niall Togher breaks down how Vettori can replicate his 2023 victory and prove he’s still a top contender in the middleweight division.
MMA news: Rafael Fiziev teases weight-class change following UFC 313 defeat
As Sports News Blitz continues to bring you the latest in the MMA, Niall Togher reports on Rafael Fiziev’s future after a tough night at UFC 313.
Following his third straight loss, the Azerbaijani lightweight is now weighing his options - including a potential shift to a new division.
MMA news: Alex Pereira challenges Magomed Ankalaev to a $200k bet ahead of UFC 313 clash
The stakes couldn’t be higher as Alex Pereira prepares to defend his UFC light heavyweight title against Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313.
With the Brazilian star facing what many believe to be his toughest test yet, the outcome could have major implications for the division - and beyond.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Niall Togher breaks down the key storylines ahead of this highly anticipated clash.
MMA news: Sean Brady talks short-notice main event against Leon Edwards
Sean Brady is stepping up on short notice to headline UFC London against former welterweight champion Leon Edwards after Jack Della Maddalena was pulled from the card.
Here, Sports News Blitz MMA expert Niall Togher breaks down the unexpected matchup and what it means for the division.
MMA analysis: Has Henry Cejudo’s return tarnished his legacy?
Since returning from retirement and going 0-3 in his last three fights, former two-weight world champion Henry Cejudo may have compromised his lasting legacy, particularly at bantamweight.
Sports News Blitz’s MMA writer Niall Togher debates the issue…
MMA news: ‘It’s just a different level’ - Michael Chandler previews fight against Paddy Pimblett
The UFC lightweight division is set for a high-stakes showdown as veteran Michael Chandler takes on rising star Paddy Pimblett at UFC 314.
With Chandler looking to reclaim his status as a top contender and Pimblett eager to prove he belongs among the elite, this fight carries major implications for both men.
In this article, Sports News Blitz writer Niall Togher breaks down the matchup and Chandler’s thoughts on his opponent.
MMA news: What’s next for Jared Cannonier?
Jared Cannonier reminded the MMA world that he’s still a force in the middleweight division with a thrilling TKO victory over Gregory Rodrigues.
Sports News Blitz writer Niall Togher breaks down the possible opponents for Cannonier as he looks to climb back into title contention.
MMA news: ‘Uninspiring’ Sean Strickland needs to ‘evaluate’ his future, says Eric Nicksick
At UFC 312, Sean Strickland's performance in his rematch with Dricus Du Plessis left much to be desired, prompting his head coach, Eric Nicksick, to offer a candid evaluation of his fighter's future in MMA.
In this article, Sports News Blitz writer Niall Togher reports on Nicksick's comments regarding Strickland's performance.