Alexander Volkanovski Retains UFC Featherweight Title via Split Decision Over Diego Lopes at UFC 325 Qudos Bank Arena

The Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney erupted in a thunderous homecoming roar on January 31, 2026, as Alexander “The Great” Volkanovski successfully defended his UFC featherweight championship against Diego “D.D.” Lopes in a razor-close rematch that went the full five rounds. Volkanovski edged out a split decision victory with scores of 48-47, 48-47, and 47-48, using his veteran savvy, cardio, and precise striking to outlast the surging contender’s early aggression and grappling threats. Broadcast live on Paramount+, the fight ignited X with passionate reactions, one viral post reading, “Volk proves he’s still the king—Lopes is a beast but Aussie heart wins! #UFC325 #VolkLopes2.” A sold-out crowd of approximately 18,500 created an electric atmosphere, fueled by national pride, fight-week events across Sydney, and the buzz of Volkanovski’s return to Australian soil.

Fight Overview

Date: January 31, 2026 Venue: Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney, Australia Start Time: Main card 10:00 PM AEDT (main event ~12:30 AM AEDT / 8:30 AM ET previous day for US viewers) Stakes: UFC Featherweight Championship—Volkanovski’s eighth defense overall, avenging any debate from their first clash where Volk won the vacant belt via decision in 2025. Odds: Volkanovski favored at -180, Lopes at +150, reflecting the champ’s experience and home advantage against Lopes’ dangerous finishing ability. X Buzz Quote: “Volk vs Lopes 2 in Sydney—Australian MMA history in the making! #UFC325” — trending with fan videos of the walkouts. Crowd Size and Atmosphere: ~18,500 fervent fans, overwhelmingly pro-Volkanovski with Aussie flags, chants, and “Volk! Volk!” echoing throughout. Poll Lean: Pre-fight X polls leaned 65-35 toward Volkanovski, crediting his championship pedigree, though many respected Lopes’ knockout power and momentum.

Alexander Volkanovski Age: 37 Origin: Shellharbour, New South Wales, Australia Record: 26-4 (13 KOs/TKOs, 3 Subs) Stakes: Orthodox Height/Reach: 5’6″ / 71.5″ Key Stats: Elite volume striker (6.2 sig. strikes/min at 56% accuracy); championship-level wrestling defense and cardio. Recent Form: Dominant defenses post-2024 setbacks; avenged losses and reclaimed the throne with a gritty decision over Lopes in their first meeting. Training/X Clips: Home-soil camp footage on X showed crisp pad work and wrestling drills: “Defending in front of my people—let’s make history again! #TheGreat.” Notable Trait: Technical master with unbreakable will, elite fight IQ, and ability to adapt mid-fight. Quote/Tweet: “This is what I live for—Sydney, thank you. Lopes is dangerous, but I’m still here.”

Diego Lopes Age: 31 Origin: Manaus, Brazil (Mexican descent) Record: 26-6 (12 KOs/TKOs, 10 Subs) Stance: Southpaw Height/Reach: 5’11” / 72.5″ Key Stats: High finishing rate (85%+ finishes); explosive striking and dangerous submissions. Recent Form: Win streak with highlight-reel KOs and subs; pushed Volk hard in first fight before falling short on cards. Training/X Clips: Aggressive sparring clips: “Rematch time—gold is coming to Brazil/Mexico! #DD.” Notable Trait: Explosive finisher with length, power, and submission threats; thrives in chaos. Quote/Tweet: “Close fight—respect to Volk. I’ll get that belt one day.”

The Fight: Round-by-Round Breakdown

Round 1: Lopes came out aggressive, landing a big left hand early and securing a takedown. Volk scrambled up and answered with crisp counters. CompuBox: Lopes 32/68 sig. strikes, Volkanovski 28/62. Scoring: 10-9 Lopes.

Rounds 2-3: Volkanovski found rhythm—used footwork to avoid power shots, landed leg kicks, and stuffed takedowns. Round 3 saw Volk hurt Lopes with a combination. CompuBox (combined): Volkanovski edged volume and control. Scoring: 10-9 Volkanovski both rounds.

Rounds 4-5: Championship rounds tested both—Lopes pushed for a finish but gassed slightly; Volk’s cardio shone as he outstruck and controlled clinch time. CompuBox (late): Volkanovski 55/130 sig. strikes vs. Lopes 40/105. Scoring: 10-9 Volkanovski both. Overall CompuBox: Volkanovski 168/410 (41%), Lopes 152/385 (39%).

Key Moments and Impact

• Volkanovski’s Cardio & IQ: Late-round dominance and takedown defense neutralized Lopes’ early threats, proving his championship endurance.
• Lopes’ Early Power: Big shots and grappling kept it competitive; nearly stole rounds with aggression.
• Fan/Media Reaction: X debates raged over the split (“Robbery?” vs. “Volk masterclass”); media called it a “classic rematch” and Fight of the Night contender.
• No Knockdowns: Hard-fought but clean; both showed facial damage from volume.

Post-Fight Analysis and Implications

Volkanovski: “I’m not done—next challengers, line up!” eyeing potential unification or big names like Topuria at lightweight crossover. Bonuses: $100k each for Fight/Perf. Lopes: “I’ll be back—stronger.” Featherweight remains Volkanovski’s domain, but Lopes solidifies as a perennial threat.

Event Context and Sydney Atmosphere

Co-main featured Dan Hooker in a violent lightweight scrap. Other notables: Australian prospects shined on the prelims. Sydney fight week was massive—public workouts, fan events, and Paramount+ streams hit record Aussie numbers.

What’s Next?

For Volkanovski: Likely defense vs. top contender (e.g., Movsar Evloev) or lightweight return tease. For Lopes: Immediate rematch push or vs. another top-5 featherweight.

On January 31, 2026, Alexander Volkanovski’s championship heart shone bright in Sydney, retaining the UFC featherweight title via split decision over Diego Lopes in a gripping rematch. A classic display of veteran mastery vs. rising danger thrilled the home crowd and kept the 145-pound throne secure—for now.