UFC 325: Volkanovski Defeats Lopes (Highlights)

  • February 1, 2026

This coverage provides every outcome from tonight’s UFC 325 event, featuring the headlining return bout between Alex Volkanovski and Diego Lopes.

Alex Volkanovski (28-4 in mixed martial arts) is stepping back into the Octagon after securing the featherweight championship with a unanimous decision triumph against Lopes at UFC 314 in Miami this past April. This win marked the end of a consecutive two-fight defeat streak for ‘The Great’, who had previously experienced successive knockout losses from Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev.

Conversely, Diego Lopes (27- in mixed martial arts) last competed in September, achieving a technical knockout in the second round against Jean Silva. The fighter from Brazil boasts a 6-1 record in his last seven professional bouts, with his single defeat during this period being attributed to Alex Volkanovski.

The opening round of the UFC 325 main event commences as Alex Volkanovski connects with a low kick while Diego Lopes endeavors to close the distance. Lopes, the contender, retaliates with an identical low kick. The champion delivers two additional low kicks. Volkanovski then attempts a takedown, but Lopes successfully defends it and effectively responds with a right hand. Volk answers with a clean one-two combination. Lopes executes a well-placed outside low kick, followed by a body kick that is absorbed. ‘The Great’ lands another effective low kick before initiating another takedown attempt. Alex Volkanovski presses Diego Lopes against the octagon fence, delivering several accurate knees from this position. Lopes manages to scramble out and disengage. Volk connects with a crisp right hand, then follows it with a left jab. Diego offers a smile, but both strikes clearly landed with impact. The bell signals the conclusion of the initial round.

The second round of the UFC 325 headlining bout begins, with Alex Volkanovski circling left while Diego Lopes occupies the center of the ring. The champion lands a sharp hook followed by a low kick, displaying fluidity and composure. Lopes delivers a powerful outside low kick, then another. The challenger executes a decent combination, succeeded by another low kick. ‘The Great’ connects partially with a low kick. Lopes then steps in, unleashing a rapid flurry of strikes. He lands a precise low kick as the champion attempts to create distance. Volkanovski connects with a strong one-two. Lopes maintains his forward pressure, then attempts a takedown. Alex Volkanovski quickly cinches in a guillotine. Diego Lopes breaks free and establishes top control on the canvas. Volk scrambles back to his feet, but Lopes secures his back. The bell sounds, ending the second round.

The third round of the UFC 325 main event commences, with both competitors exhibiting clear respect for each other’s power and accuracy. Diego Lopes initiates with a low kick followed by a right hand. Alex Volkanovski counters with a pair of jabs and then an outside low kick. A significant right hand connects for the reigning champion, who then lunges forward with a barrage of strikes. Lopes effectively evades any substantial damage and retreats to a safe range. Diego Lopes lands an unexpected punch that sends Volkanovski to the mat. The champion responds fiercely but still appears somewhat disoriented. A well-timed knee from Lopes connects. The bell rings, bringing round three to a close.

The fourth round of the UFC 325 main event begins with both competitors content to exchange strikes early on. Alex Volkanovski connects with a jab followed by a low kick. Diego Lopes responds with a jab. ‘The Great’ counters with a well-executed right hook. Volk lands another effective right hook, displaying composure and precision in his strike selection. Another clean jab from the champion. Lopes delivers a low kick. The fighters trade hooks in close quarters. Alex connects with a low kick that strays to the groin of the challenger. The referee intervenes, pausing the action to allow Diego time to recover. Following the restart, these featherweight competitors engage in a furious exchange of powerful strikes. The bell sounds, sending the fight into the fifth round.

The fifth and concluding round of the UFC 325 headlining match gets underway, with Diego Lopes advancing aggressively, pursuing Alex Volkanovski around the octagon. ‘The Great’ shoots in and secures a takedown. Lopes attempts a guillotine choke, but Volk escapes and returns to his feet. ‘The Great’ lands another takedown. Lopes scrambles upright, then reverses position, bringing the champion to the ground. Lopes swiftly secures Volk’s back, locking in both hooks. Alex manages to stand, but Diego remains attached. Two minutes remain in the contest. Volk eventually dislodges Lopes from his back, then delivers several powerful elbows to the body as Diego attempts to shoot. Alex Volkanovski shifts his position. Diego Lopes drops for an armbar, maintaining a strong grip on the submission attempt. Volk ultimately pulls free and begins delivering hammer fists, with his body positioned directly over Lopes’s face. Diego seeks a heel hook, but the opportunity is not present. The final horn sounds, concluding the fight.

Official UFC 325 Results: Alex Volkanovski defeats Diego Lopes by unanimous decision (49-46 x2, 50-45)

Who would you suggest Volkanovski should face next after his decision victory over Lopes this evening in Australia? Share your insights in the comment section, PENN Nation!