Alexander Volkanovski will attempt to cement his legacy as one of the most durable champions in UFC history when he faces Diego Lopes in the main event of UFC 325 this Saturday at Sydney's Qudos Bank Arena. At 37 years old, the Australian featherweight kingpin stands on the verge of becoming the oldest fighter ever to successfully defend the 145-pound championship, a milestone that would further solidify his remarkable career longevity and place him in rarefied air among the sport's all-time greats.
The matchup itself raises eyebrows throughout the MMA community. Volkanovski already holds a clear decision victory over Lopes from their first encounter just ten months ago, leaving many observers questioning the necessity of an immediate rematch. However, the UFC's decision to showcase its Australian superstar in front of his passionate home crowd provides a compelling commercial rationale for the pairing. While some purists argue that championship rematches should be reserved for controversial or razor-close decisions, the promotion clearly values the box-office appeal of a hometown hero defending his throne. The Sydney arena will undoubtedly erupt for its native son, creating an atmosphere that could intimidate even the most seasoned challenger.
Volkanovski's age has become an unavoidable talking point leading into this contest. At 37, he operates in a division historically dominated by younger, faster athletes. The featherweight title has rarely been held by fighters beyond their early thirties, making Volkanovski's continued excellence a testament to his exceptional fight IQ, conditioning, and adaptability. His ability to evolve and compete at the highest level despite the natural decline that accompanies age represents one of the sport's most impressive current narratives. Champions in combat sports often face a precipitous drop-off in performance once they cross into their late thirties, but Volkanovski has shown no such signs of deterioration.
Lopes enters this rematch with a clear understanding of the challenge before him. The Brazilian contender possesses legitimate knockout power and surprising speed for his size, attributes that could theoretically trouble any opponent. His wrestling background provides an additional dimension to his attack, potentially allowing him to utilize takedowns to set up damaging ground-and-pound. However, Volkanovski's defensive grappling ranks among the division's best, with only elite-level wrestlers like Islam Makhachev having found consistent success in controlling him on the mat. Lopes must bridge a significant skill gap while somehow solving a puzzle that baffled him less than a year ago.
The first fight established a template that Lopes must find a way to disrupt. Volkanovski's pressure fighting, combined with his technical striking and ironclad takedown defense, proved too much for Lopes to overcome. For the challenger to succeed in the rematch, he must either land a fight-changing strike early or fundamentally alter his approach to secure and maintain dominant positions. The odds favor another stand-up battle where Volkanovski's volume and precision should once again carry the day. Lopes' corner must devise a strategy that accounts for Volkanovski's durability while maximizing their fighter's limited windows of opportunity.
Beyond the main event, UFC 325 features several compelling matchups that deserve attention. The co-main event pits Dan Hooker against Benoit Saint Denis in a lightweight clash that promises fireworks. Hooker, a veteran of numerous wars, seeks to prove he remains an elite gatekeeper capable of stifling rising contenders. Saint Denis, meanwhile, rides a wave of momentum that has many questioning whether his resurgence signals a legitimate breakthrough or merely a temporary surge. This fight epitomizes the classic striker versus grappler dynamic, with Hooker's technical kickboxing facing off against Saint Denis' suffocating ground game.
The lightweight division's depth receives further showcase through two additional bouts. Rafael Fiziev faces Mauricio Ruffy in a contest that pits explosive striking against technical precision. Fiziev's athleticism and power make him a constant threat, while Ruffy's methodical approach could expose defensive openings. Additionally, highly-touted prospect Quillan Salkilld fights short-notice replacement Jamie Mullarkey, creating an intriguing dynamic where preparation meets opportunism. Salkilld's camp had weeks to game plan specifically for this matchup, while Mullarkey must rely on his veteran instincts and general fight readiness.
Heavyweight action rounds out the main card as Tai Tuivasa returns to face Tallison Teixeira in what both competitors likely view as a must-win situation. Tuivasa's fan-friendly style and knockout power have made him a popular figure, but recent setbacks have placed his championship aspirations in jeopardy. Teixeira represents a dangerous opponent who can end the fight with a single strike, ensuring this matchup carries significant stakes for both men's career trajectories. In the heavyweight division, one punch can change everything, and both fighters understand that a loss here could relegate them to gatekeeper status.
Event logistics follow the standard UFC pay-per-view format. The early preliminary card begins at 5 p.m. ET, featuring four bouts designed to showcase emerging talent from the Oceanic region and beyond. The preliminary card, also consisting of four fights, starts at 7 p.m. ET and typically includes a mix of established names and promising newcomers looking to make their mark. The main card launches at 9 p.m. ET with five fights, including all the aforementioned high-profile matchups. Paramount+ serves as the exclusive streaming platform for the entire event, making it accessible to subscribers across various devices and ensuring fans won't miss a moment of the action.
From a technical standpoint, Volkanovski's path to victory appears clear. His cardio advantage becomes more pronounced in championship rounds, where his relentless pace often breaks opponents who cannot maintain his intensity. Lopes must commit to a high-risk strategy, potentially sacrificing defensive responsibility in pursuit of a finish. While this approach carries obvious dangers, conventional methods have already proven insufficient against the champion. The Brazilian's best chance may lie in catching Volkanovski cold during the opening exchanges, before the champion finds his rhythm.
The specter of the "MMA Gods" looms over this event, as the article humorously notes. UFC matchmakers have occasionally faced backlash for booking fights that prioritize business over sport, and some fans view this rematch as a prime example. Whether divine intervention strikes in the form of a Lopes upset remains to be seen, but Volkanovski's career has been defined by overcoming adversity and silencing doubters who question his abilities. Time and again, he has proven that his mental fortitude matches his physical talents.
Prediction models favor Volkanovski by decision once again. His durability, experience, and technical superiority should carry him through challenging moments. Lopes possesses the tools to make it competitive, but likely lacks the consistency to dethrone a champion of Volkanovski's caliber over five rounds. The Australian star's ability to absorb punishment and maintain his game plan represents his greatest asset. Unless Lopes can deliver a perfectly timed knockout blow, expect Volkanovski to extend his reign and make history as the oldest featherweight title defender.
In conclusion, UFC 325 offers a mix of hometown heroism, divisional relevance, and pure entertainment value. While the main event may not satisfy everyone's definition of ideal matchmaking, it provides Volkanovski an opportunity to make history while giving Australian fans a champion to rally behind. The supporting bouts deliver enough intrigue to justify the price of admission, ensuring the event's overall quality regardless of any single fight's outcome. For Volkanovski, this represents another chance to prove that age is merely a number and that his championship reign has plenty of life left in it.