Overview
- Alexander Volkanovski will defend his featherweight title against Diego Lopes in an immediate rematch headlining UFC 325 on January 31 in Sydney after defeating Lopes by decision in April.
- Former champion Demetrious Johnson questioned the legitimacy of the title-shot process, arguing the rematch reflects popularity over performance.
- Volkanovski acknowledged the UFC "really wanted Lopes" and conceded that contenders like Movsar Evloev and Lerone Murphy may be more deserving based on merit.
- Murphy, 17-0-1 with a recent first-round spinning back elbow knockout of Aaron Pico, said he was initially disheartened by the snub but is now working with a performance coach to move forward.
- Lopes’ September knockout of Jean Silva is cited as his key recent win, while Murphy says he expects a March bout in England and believes Volkanovski could retire after UFC 325.