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.
‘They’re more deserving’ - Alexander Volkanovski reveals the two contenders he thinks should have got a title shot over Diego Lopes
By no means was the first meeting between Lopes and Volkanovski one-sided; both men had their moments, with Lopes even dropping Volkanovski at one point before the Australian rallied to win the points decision.
But with Volkanovski having not fought since, and Lopes’ only outing being a win over Jean Silva in September, many do not feel the Brazilian deserves a rematch for the title so quickly, especially with how many other impressive contenders the UFC could have opted for instead.
This seems to be a sentiment shared by the champion, with Volkanovski having this to say about the rematch with Lopes on his YouTube channel.
“UFC really wanted Lopes, but at least everyone knows they’re in for a treat. With Movsar [Evloev] and Lerone [Murphy], they’re more deserving, but are they going to bring the fight like Lopes would?
“I think the fans are going to appreciate the fight that me and Lopes are going to have,” Volkanovski said.
Whilst their first meeting was entertaining, fans can’t help but look at Evloev's 19-0 record and Murphy's nine-fight winning streak and feel that one of those two men deserved a title shot instead.
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‘Stop whining’ - Diego Lopes responds to backlash over Alexander Volkanovski rematch
Lopes, 30, quickly took to social media after the UFC announced his title fight in January.
The hard-hitting Brazilian posted a picture of himself smiling on his Instagram account with the caption reading:
“My face when I saw everyone crying”, followed by two laughing emojis. “Sitting around, he won’t give you a title fight. Get to work and stop whining on social media.”
Now it is over to Lopes to prove everyone wrong and upset the odds by dethroning Volkanovski in the rematch.
Still, with the second fight scheduled to take place just over nine months after their first encounter, fans are right to be sceptical about the Brazilian’s chances of winning the bout.
