UFC 325 Live Results: Volkanovski vs. Lopes 2 Updates, Scoring, Highlights

Ahead of the current year, the Uncrowned team presented their audacious forecasts for 2026, with one of mine predicting Volkanovski’s retirement. Currently, the 37-year-old titleholder firmly asserts he is *not* contemplating retirement, yet despite my skepticism regarding these assertions, I do not foresee Lopes being the one to prompt ‘Volk’s’ departure. Lopes is an undeniably endearing figure, and I anticipate a more unrestrained approach from him in this encounter. The interim period between their initial match and this return bout is too brief for substantial tactical modifications, beyond Lopes adopting a more reckless strategy. Their inaugural clash in April largely resembled a classic matador-and-bull dynamic, where Volkanovski controlled the pace with his jabs and counter-strikes against his assertive opponent. Lopes achieved sporadic success when he managed to make the fight messier; however, Volkanovski possesses a remarkable capacity for adaptation. Setting aside the distinct circumstances of the Islam Makhachev fights, the Australian icon has consistently delivered stellar showings even after repeated preparations against the same adversary – a testament exemplified by Max Holloway. This is not intended to diminish Lopes’ capabilities, but acquiring further information on his fighting style will prove considerably simpler for Volkanovski than it was against Holloway. Nevertheless, even in that trilogy, Volkanovski arguably delivered his most exceptional career performance in the third installment. Provided Volkanovski steers clear of an all-out brawl or any chaotic ground exchanges, this rematch is likely to mirror their first encounter significantly. **Selection: Volkanovski**

Saint Denis promptly advanced towards Hooker, aiming to take him to the mat, but Hooker resisted effectively. Saint Denis attempted a second time, and Hooker countered with a guillotine choke threat. Saint Denis made a third unsuccessful attempt. A poor tactical choice by Hooker — he initiated his own trip, only to find himself on his back with Saint Denis in a dominant full mount. Saint Denis delivered powerful elbows. He was actively pursuing an arm-triangle choke, and it appeared to be deep. This hold was extremely constrictive. Saint Denis applied pressure on Hooker’s left side — it was incredibly, *incredibly* tight. Hooker’s complexion was shifting to various shades of crimson and violet. Saint Denis sought to refine and intensify the choke, but Hooker stubbornly refused to yield. Remarkably, Hooker eventually endured, and Saint Denis released the hold. Saint Denis continued to land additional strikes from full mount. With ninety seconds remaining in the round, Saint Denis threw significant 12-to-6 elbows. Hooker was now bleeding. Saint Denis briefly reverted to the arm-triangle choke before resuming elbow strikes. Only thirty seconds remained. Referee Herb Dean urged Hooker to retaliate. Indeed, the contest concluded. The sequence began with Hooker’s unfortunate sacrifice throw. A difficult situation to witness.

It’s time for the co-featured bout! This contest is guaranteed to be exciting. Herb Dean will officiate. Let’s get started, fighters. Hooker initiated with kicks and probing jabs. Saint Denis attempted a single-leg takedown but didn’t follow through. And there it was once more — Saint Denis launched into a poorly executed double-leg attempt and was almost caught in a guillotine choke. The fighters returned to standing. Saint Denis caught a kick then forcefully pushed Hooker against the perimeter fence. Hooker broke free and maneuvered away successfully. A powerful body kick landed from Hooker. Saint Denis appeared to be shaken by it. Another penetrating kick from Hooker to the body. Saint Denis tried to initiate a clinch, but Hooker prevented it. Saint Denis again attempted to secure a takedown against the fence, but Hooker’s defense was exceptional. Hooker immediately returned to delivering inside low kicks, then landed a rapid combination to Saint Denis’s head. Saint Denis clinched in the center of the octagon and tried to execute a throw on Hooker, but was unsuccessful once more. He tried again, and this time he finally secured the throw, achieving side control. Saint Denis delivered several short elbows to the head. Saint Denis had a 1-for-5 record on takedown attempts this round, but he now had Hooker in a vulnerable position. With one minute remaining, he was attempting to secure an arm. Hooker perceived an opportunity and rapidly stood up. A well-executed one-two from Hooker connected squarely. They exchanged blows at close range, with Hooker gaining the advantage! Saint Denis then forcibly returned him to the canvas. **Hooker 10-9.**

Currently, Hooker’s fighting style is well-understood: extensive striking aggression, provided the contest remains upright. Saint Denis has consistently pursued submission victories, evidenced in two of his last three triumphs. It’s plausible that an anarchic striking exchange might be too tempting for Saint Denis to forgo his grappling strengths, though this doesn’t preclude his ability to succeed, which he is likely to do. Hooker, while remaining a formidable and determined competitor, has proven quite susceptible to strikes throughout his revitalized period in the lightweight division. Although Hooker possesses extreme durability, he has previously been halted by strikes, and ‘BSD’ delivers exceptionally powerful blows. This particular pairing suggests that Hooker would be wise *not* to engage in the same head-on confrontations he has in numerous past bouts. Concurrently, one could contend that Saint Denis’s resilience remains questionable, particularly after his bout with Dustin Poirier. Aside from his encounter with Arman Tsarukyan, it has generally been ill-advised to underestimate Hooker in his recent performances; however, the disparity in raw power and overall combat fatigue ultimately confers an advantage to Saint Denis. **Selection: Saint Denis**