Overview
- Alexander Volkanovski defeated Diego Lopes by unanimous decision in Sydney, marking the first defense of his second featherweight title reign.
- Coach Joe Lopez said Volkanovski suffered a shoulder injury four weeks before the fight and the team briefly considered pulling out.
- UFC announced Movsar Evloev vs. Lerone Murphy for March 21 in London as a number-one contender bout, with the winner expected to challenge Volkanovski.
- Analysts hailed Volkanovski’s performance as a masterclass that strengthens his featherweight GOAT case, while critics questioned the need for the rematch and cited Dana White’s “don’t watch it” retort to complaints.
- Volkanovski and Lopes received Fight of the Night honors, earning $100,000 bonuses each.