Explore the latest developments concerning UFC 325 picks:.
UFC 325 picks: Why experts are split between Volkanovski and Lopes
The first high-profile title rematch of 2026 headlines UFC 325 in Sydney on Saturday. Local superstar Alexander Volkanovski, who grew up an hour-and-a-half away from Sydney, claimed the then-vacant UFC featherweight belt for a third time against Diego Lopes at UFC 314 last April. Just eight months later, Lopes is back, looking to flip the script.
Lopes and Volkanovski will meet again in a rematch that our panel of former fighters, trainers and analysts do not see eye-to-eye on. Projections are split between another Volkanovski masterclass and an early night courtesy of Lopes.
Volkanovski looked good in the last matchup against Lopes. Diego needs to throw caution to the wind and be willing to get knocked out in order to land the shots that will put Volkanovski away. I don't think he can beat Volkanovski by submission or decision, so he has to get a knockout here. He has to put himself in harm's way to do that, and say to himself, "One of us is going down, and I hope it's going to be you.' Ultimately, Volkanovski will be too good and better everywhere for Lopes' plan to work. — Dustin Poirier
UFC 325 full fight: Alexander Volkanovski batters Yair Rodriguez
Back at UFC 290 in 2023, Volkanovski completed his last title defense of his historic reign at 145 pounds. He defeated veteran Yair Rodriguez, using his wrestling and ground-and-pound to pick up a stoppage in Round 3. It was the fifth title defense of his first run as champion at featherweight, a run that cemented him as arguably the greatest of all time in the weight class.
You can watch Volkanovski's dominant title win over Rodriguez in the video above.
Volkanovski (27-4 MMA, 14-3 UFC) returns to the cage this Saturday to make his first title defense of his second stint as UFC featherweight champion. He takes on Diego Lopes (27-7 MMA, 6-2 UFC) in a rematch that headlines UFC 325 (Paramount+), which takes place at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney.
SOFIRN HS42 Headlamp 2100lm 18650 EDC USB C Rechargeable with Power Bank Flashlight SST40 LED Torch with Magnetic for Camping
Official Weigh-In Results | UFC 325: Volkanovski vs Lopes 2
For the first time in his storied career, UFC featherweight champion and Australian legend Alexander “The Great” Volkanovski will defend his championship on home soil. Volkanovski will take on No. 2 ranked UFC featherweight, Diego Lopes in a highly anticipated rematch at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena on Saturday January 31 at UFC 325: VOLKANOVSKI vs LOPES 2.
In the co-main event, esteemed City Kickboxing fan favorite Dan “The Hangman” Hooker will look to get back in the win column against rising French star Benoit “God of War” Saint Denis. Prelims get underway at 5pm ET / 2pm PT, with your main card kicking off at 9pm ET / 6pm PT. All bouts can be seen on Paramount+.
For more detailed information, explore updates concerning UFC 325 picks:.
0 Comments