MMA Junkie has live coverage of UFC 325 with round-by-round analysis of every fight.
Alexander Volkanovski‘s first UFC bout on home soil was a success.
In the main event of UFC 325 at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, the UFC featherweight champion retained his title in a rematch against Diego Lopes. Australia’s Volkanovski (28-4 MMA, 15-3 UFC) turned in another masterclass, winning a unanimous decision with scores of 49-46, 49-46, 50-45, denying Lopes (27-8 MMA, 6-3 UFC) his second title opportunity in his last three fights.
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Volkanovski was too slick throughout the fight, while Lopes was unable to find the next gear to change the momentum.
Naturally, the Sydney crowd chanted for Volkanovski as the fighters settled in. The first takedown attempt from the champ was met with a quick sprawl and a sharp counter from Lopes. Volkanovski returned to picking his strikes until shooting again. The second entry was much better, but Lopes defended well against the fence. The striking exchanges favored the champ to start.
Volkanovski’s striking and footwork continued to set the tone in the second frame. Lopes made an adjustment by turning up the volume of his strikes while keeping things steady. With around two minutes remaining, the exchanges heated up after Lopes landed a beautiful uppercut. Volkanovski answered with a stiff punch of his own as Lopes marched forward. A takedown attempt from Lopes was countered with a guillotine attempt by Volkanovski, but it wasn’t there. Lopes returned the favor in the closing seconds with a standing rear-naked choke attempt.
The friendly foes shared a laugh early in Round 3 before locking back in. Volkanovski controlled the action from the center, darting in and out. Lopes closed the distance and opened up, allowing room for a clean right hand from Volkanovski that stunned the challenger. Volkanovski attempted to capitalize with a takedown, but Lopes denied him, while appearing recovered. In the last minute, the champ darted in, and this time he was on the receiving end of a right hand, causing a flash knockdown. Volkanovski popped right back up and appeared no worse for wear.
Midway through Round 4, Volkanovski put together a nice combination to get Lopes’ attention. The crowd once again chanted for the champion, as Lopes marched forward looking for openings. An errant kick from Volkanovski went low, pausing the action for less than a minute. Lopes created an intense exchange in the closing seconds of the round.
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Needing a finish to take the title, Lopes attempted to turn up the pressure early, but appeared to hurt his foot after kicking Volkanovski’s elbow. A moment later, Volkanovski caught Lopes with a stiff jab to counter a level change, but Lopes eventually got the champ down and took his back. Volkanovski quickly worked back to his feet and peeled Lopes off. The grappling exchange continued, and Lopes offered a scare with an armbar, but it wasn’t there.
With the win, Volkanovski records the first defense of his second featherweight title reign. During his post-fight interview, he expressed his desire to take on the next available challenger, whether it be Movsar Evloev or Lerone Murphy. Lopes also had a moment with Daniel Cormier on the mic and praised Volkanovski’s skills.
Full UFC 325 results:
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Alexander Volkanovski def. Diego Lopes via unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 50-45)
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC 325: Alexander Volkanovski denies Diego Lopes’ second title chance
