Volkanovski extends featherweight legacy with thrilling win over Lopes at UFC 325

SYDNEY: Alexander Volkanovski is proving age is just a number. At 37, the Australian featherweight champion defended his title Saturday night at UFC 325, outpointing Diego Lopes via unanimous decision (50-45, 49-46, 49-46) in a five-round war at Qudos Bank Arena.

From the opening bell, it was a chess match of strikes and strategy. Volkanovski circled, jabbed, and danced, while Lopes pressed aggressively, hunting for a finish. Lopes even caught Volkanovski with a short right hook in the third round, sending the champion to the canvas briefly. But Volkanovski, ever the tactician, recovered instantly and continued to control the pace. The final round saw a tense scramble, with Volkanovski maintaining dominant position against the fence and denying Lopes every submission attempt in a masterclass of composure and technique.

With this victory, Volkanovski now ties José Aldo for the most featherweight title defenses in UFC history (8), cementing his status as one of the division’s all-time greats. While many expected a passing-of-the-torch moment, the “Aussie Assassin” proved he’s far from finished, demonstrating a rare blend of precision striking, mental toughness, and fight IQ.

But the story isn’t just about another victory. Volkanovski’s longevity in the sport is now front and center. Despite whispers of retirement, the champion made it clear post-fight that 2026 could be his final year, and he intends to make it memorable by taking on the toughest contenders available. Undefeated featherweight Movsar Evloev and fellow unbeaten Lerone Murphy were both name-checked as potential challengers, signaling more fireworks ahead in the division before Volkanovski rides off into the sunset.

“This is what you get when you keep improving, even at this age,” Volkanovski said after the fight. “I’ve still got fights in me, and I want to face the best before I’m done. Bring it on.”

For Lopes, the rematch didn’t provide the redemption he sought, but the young Brazilian showed heart, durability, and flashes of brilliance, particularly in his grappling exchanges with the champion. Fans were on their feet as Lopes attempted a guillotine, a back take, and even an armbar in the final round – all of which Volkanovski narrowly escaped, showcasing why he remains the division’s benchmark.

The buzz around the featherweight division is now shifting to what’s next. With Volkanovski still at the top, undefeated challengers like Evloev and Murphy are lining up for the ultimate test: dethroning one of MMA’s modern legends while he’s still at his peak.

In Sydney tonight, the message was clear: Alexander Volkanovski isn’t just defending a belt – he’s defending his legacy.