Overview
- The UFC confirmed Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes as the UFC 325 main event on Jan. 31 in Sydney, a rematch of Volkanovski’s unanimous decision win at UFC 314.
- Lopes secured the booking after a win over Jean Silva, leapfrogging contenders such as Movsar Evloev and the undefeated Lerone Murphy.
- Demetrious Johnson publicly questioned the decision as market-driven, arguing it undermines the sport’s legitimacy.
- Murphy said he was “very disappointed” by the snub but now expects to fight in London in March and is preparing for either Movsar Evloev or Aljamain Sterling.
- Murphy believes Volkanovski could retire after the rematch and predicts the champion beats Lopes in most scenarios, a possibility he says might leave the belt vacant for his next bout.