Volkanovski vs. Lopes Rematch Set for UFC 325 on January 31

BREAKING: A highly anticipated featherweight title rematch between Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes is officially set for UFC 325 on January 31, 2024. The announcement was made by UFC CEO Dana White just moments ago, igniting excitement among MMA fans worldwide.

The championship bout will take place at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, marking Volkanovski’s first fight in Australia since his narrow defeat against Islam Makhachev at UFC 284 in February 2023. In that match, Volkanovski showcased his resilience, nearly clinching victory in the final round before losing by a close unanimous decision.

Volkanovski (27-4) is determined to defend his title successfully for the second time against Lopes (27-27), who pushed for this rematch after a stunning knockout victory over Jean Silva in September. Their previous encounter at UFC 314 in April ended in a competitive unanimous decision, with judges scoring it 49-46, 49-46, and 49-45.

This latest matchup has stirred controversy among other featherweight contenders who feel overlooked. Movsar Evloev (19-0) and Lerone Murphy (17-0-1) both voiced their frustrations on social media, expressing disappointment at missing the chance to compete for the title. Murphy lamented, “Missing the opportunity to fight one of the featherweights [GOATS] is what hurts me the most,” while Evloev challenged Murphy to a fight in early 2026 to solidify the next title shot.

As the UFC rankings stand, Evloev and Murphy are positioned as the No. 1 and No. 4 contenders in the division, respectively, while Lopes currently ranks at No. 2. This rematch not only heightens the stakes for Volkanovski and Lopes but also reshuffles the competitive landscape of the featherweight division.

Fans are now eagerly awaiting further updates and developments as the fight date approaches. Will Volkanovski reclaim his dominance in front of his home crowd, or can Lopes pull off an upset? One thing is certain: the anticipation is building, and the MMA world will be watching closely. Stay tuned for more updates as UFC 325 draws near!