Volkanovski reaffirms legendary UFC status with featherweight title defense

Alexander Volkanovski is a legend. Everyone already knew it, but last night he reminded the world again. The Australian retained his featherweight title by unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 50-44) in his rematch with Diego Lopes at UFC 325 in Sydney. A clear, round‑by‑round showcase of control that allowed him to surpass José Aldo in title defenses. The featherweight GOAT is back - and stronger than ever.

This is how Volkanovski vs Lopes played out:

The opening moments of the fight were all about feeling each other out; neither man rushed into early exchanges. Volkanovski started chipping away with low kicks, looking to sap the Brazilian’s base as the rounds wore on. He circled around the cage as the first hand exchanges arrived - striking sequences that would define the rest of the fight. The Australian landed the cleaner shots in the first round.

The second round tightened up even more. Lopes switched stances in response to Volk’s movement, playing with distance and trying to take advantage of his height. The champion darted in and out, slipping kicks and countering. Another set of pocket exchanges, and more sharp punches from Volkanovski - now sporting a cut under his right eye. Lopes shot for a takedown, but Volkanovski wrapped up his neck and threatened a guillotine to flip the position.

Both fighters stayed cautious, disciplined. Neither wanted to make the kind of mistake that could cost them a round in what was shaping up to be a razor-close fight. A heavy right hand from Volkanovski crashed into Lopes, who answered by dropping the champ with a counter of his own. The fourth round followed the same pattern: careful pacing, long distance, and a slower tempo built around the jab. Mutual respect was obvious. The cleaner, more convincing shots still belonged to the champion. A low blow briefly halted the action, but they went right back to trading blows once the referee restarted them.

In the final round, Lopes appeared to injure his toes throwing a kick. Volkanovski kept circling, touching him repeatedly with the straight left. Lopes shot for a takedown, and that triggered a gritty ground battle, with Diego hunting submissions until the final horn. But none of them stuck. Volkanovski rose in celebration. The featherweight GOAT managed every moment, every risk. That’s why he’s a legend.

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