Volkanovski Answered Lopes’s Best Moments to Keep His
Alexander Volkanovski defeated Diego Lopes by unanimous decision at UFC 325 in Sydney on February 1, 2026, local time. Scores of 50–45, 49–46 and 49–46 preserved the featherweight championship after five rounds at Qudos Bank Arena, repeating Volkanovski’s victory in their first meeting.
The rematch returned an established championship pairing to Australia
Volkanovski had defeated Lopes for the vacant title at UFC 314 in April 2025. Both made the championship limit in Sydney, with the Australian at 144.5 pounds and Lopes at 145.
The home defense gave Volkanovski another opportunity to apply the footwork and fundamental striking that had shaped the original contest. Lopes needed to create more sustained danger against a familiar opponent.
Lopes created threats without controlling the full contest
Volkanovski repeatedly intercepted the challenger’s advances and landed cleaner connections. His movement prevented Lopes from turning every forward attack into a prolonged exchange at close range.
Lopes dropped the champion with a short right hook in the third and later pursued an armbar. Those moments required defensive composure, but neither produced a finish or a lasting reversal.
The five-round verdict added another championship achievement
All three judges preferred Volkanovski, confirming a second consecutive decision win over Lopes. The successful defense gave him eight UFC featherweight title-fight victories, matching Jose Aldo’s total.
The result rewarded a complete tactical performance rather than an absence of danger. Volkanovski survived the challenger’s strongest moments and returned to the distance management that kept most of the contest under his control.
Sources
- UFC: official results and scorecards
- UFC: Sydney venue, weights and scheduled rounds
- UFC: championship and main-card reports
- MMA Fighting: first meeting and championship weights
