Overview
- UFC 325 will headline Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes II on Jan. 31 at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena.
- Volkanovski defeated Lopes by unanimous decision in their first meeting at UFC 314 in April.
- Lopes earned renewed consideration after a September TKO of Jean Silva, which outlets say helped secure the immediate rematch.
- Demetrious Johnson criticized the booking as rewarding popularity over merit, saying it raises questions about MMA’s competitive credibility.
- Lerone Murphy, passed over for the shot, says he expects a March return in London against Movsar Evloev or Aljamain Sterling, and he believes Volkanovski may retire after the rematch.