The most recent fight between Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes (their first bout at UFC 314) was on April 13, 2025, which Volkanovski won via unanimous decision. The "Alexander Volkanovski vs Diego Lopes 2" you are referring to appears to be an upcoming rematch scheduled for UFC 325 on February 1, 2026.Previous Fight Details At UFC 314, Alexander Volkanovski outworked Diego Lopes in a five-round battle to reclaim the featherweight title that had been vacated by Ilia Topuria.In a much-anticipated featherweight championship rematch, Alexander "The Great" Volkanovski will defend his title against the surging Diego "The Silent Assassin" Lopes at UFC 325 on February 1, 2026, at the Qudos Bank Arena. This bout, headlining the first UFC card on Paramount+, is more than just a title defense; it is a critical crossroads for the division and a test of wills, experience, and momentum. The first encounter at UFC 314 in April 2025 saw Volkanovski reclaim the vacant belt with a unanimous decision victory (49-46, 49-46, 48-47). While the Australian veteran controlled the pace for much of the five rounds, Lopes had his moments, including a knockdown in the second round that opened a significant cut under Volkanovski's eye and highlighted his immense power. Volkanovski ultimately out-landed Lopes in significant strikes by a wide margin (158-63), but the competitive nature and the tangible damage inflicted by Lopes set the stage for an immediate rematch. The Champion's Quest for Dominance For Volkanovski (27-4), 37, this fight is an opportunity to solidify his legacy and defend his title in front of a home crowd for the first time since 2017. After recent knockout losses at lightweight and one at featherweight to Ilia Topuria, questions about his age and durability have lingered in some circles. Volkanovski, however, has dismissed retirement rumors and is confident in his ability to execute a smarter game plan this time around, minimizing damage and dictating the flow of the fight. “I'm still here. You ain't having it. Sorry mate," Volkanovski stated, sending a clear message to his opponent. His path to victory relies on his elite footwork, range control, and high-volume striking, utilizing his jab and leg kicks to limit Lopes' explosiveness.
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The Challenger's Momentum Diego Lopes (27-7), 31, is a man on a mission. He earned this quick rematch after a spectacular spinning back elbow TKO win over Jean Silva at Noche UFC in September 2025, a performance that earned him both "Fight of the Night" and "Performance of the Night" bonuses. Lopes has finished four of his last five opponents and carries the power and jiu-jitsu skills that present a genuine finishing threat in any exchange. Lopes has fired back at critics who argue he bypassed more deserving contenders like Movsar Evloev, asserting, “Sitting around, he won't give you a title fight. Get to work and stop whining on social media". He remains unfazed by the hostile Australian crowd and is focused on a finish, whether by knockout or submission. "My goal is to finish this fight in any way," Lopes stated. A Clash of Styles and Stakes The matchup is a classic "striker vs. grappler" dynamic, though both men are well-rounded. Volkanovski's technical discipline will face Lopes's power and submission expertise. Experts predict a tactical masterclass, with the longer this fight goes, the more it should favor the champion. The fight, which opens the UFC's new broadcast deal with Paramount+, has significant implications for the featherweight landscape. A Volkanovski win further cements his status as one of the all-time greats, while a Lopes upset would crown a dynamic new champion and likely set up a rubber match. Current odds favor the champion as a -178 favorite, with Lopes a dangerous +138 underdog, reflecting the high-risk, high-reward nature of this much-anticipated rematch. The Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney is set for an electric atmosphere as these two elite athletes run it back for the featherweight crown.
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