MMA fighter Alexander Volkanovski poses for an image after victory in opposition to Diego Lopes in UFC 325 in Australia, Sydney on February 1, 2026. — X@ufc
SYDNEY: Australian Alexander Volkanovski cemented his supremacy within the UFC featherweight division on Sunday after once more outlasting rival Diego Lopes in a gruelling rematch in Sydney.
In the primary occasion of UFC 325, the 37-year-old defended his 145-pound belt with a unanimous choice (49-46, 49-46, 50-45) to prevail in a five-round slugfest.
A pumped-up Volkanovski, a former rugby league participant, basked within the adoration of the febrile 20,000-person crowd at Qudos Financial institution Area in his first world title defence on Australian soil.
Volkanovski (28-4) continued his dominance over 31-year-old Lopes (27-8) having additionally received by a unanimous choice at UFC 314 final April in Miami, a triumph he rated as one of many best of his legendary profession.
“It ain’t getting any easier,” Volkanovski mentioned. “You’ve got a young, hungry guy like that in there, and I wanted to take him out, but he was strong.
“I did not wish to stand for 25 minutes, I will be sincere, however we acquired the job executed.”
Volkanovski made his ring walk to the classic Australian song “Down Underneath” with the partisan crowd firmly in his nook, together with Australian cricket legend Steve Waugh.
Thought-about the best UFC featherweight of all time, Volkanovski entered as a heat favorite, however was cautious of the youthful opponent standing 5 inches taller.
There was intrigue over whether or not heavy-hitting Lopes would change technique and take a extra cautious method in opposition to the canny Volkanovski.
Lopes determined to throw warning to the wind, however was rapidly compelled into defence with Volkanovski making an attempt a takedown in opposition to the fence.
Lopes labored his manner again with efficient leg kicks earlier than touchdown a heavy proper hook within the third spherical that left Volkanovski rattled.
However an indefatigable Volkanovski’s agility and relentless placing ultimately wore down his flagging challenger, who was unable to land a knockout within the last spherical.
Additionally on the primary card, rising Frenchman Benoit Saint Denis pummelled New Zealand’s Dan Hooker with a second-round technical knockout within the light-weight.
“I’m going to be champion. I’m ready,” mentioned eighth-ranked Saint Denis, who clinched his fourth-straight victory.
Within the heavyweight bout, Brazilian Tallison Teixeira emerged victorious after an unanimous choice inflicted a sixth-straight defeat for Australian Tai Tuivasa.
