- Alexander Volkanovski has once again prevailed with a vintage performance at Sydney’s UFC 325: Alexander Volkanovski vs Diego Lopes II.
- UFC 325 represents the promotion’s fourth numbered event in Sydney (and eight event overall).
- The question that now remains: what’s left for Alexander Volkanovski and his already storied fute Hall of Fame career?
It feels like just yesterday that Australia’s own Alexander Volkanovski reclaimed his featherweight throne at UFC 317 after a tumultuous 18-month period previously defined by consecutive knockout losses – but eventually punctuated by a resurrection for the ages.
And although the Miami card shared a blistering title contender with this weekend’s UFC 325 in Diego Lopes, the recent main event was arguably even more significant for The Great. It was by no means a retread of not-so-ancient history.
For one, after a dutiful decade-long tenure as a company man, this marked the first-ever occasion Volkanovski was afforded the opportunity to defend a belt on home turf; and the first time he’s competed in Sydney since opening the main card of UFC Fight Night: Fabricio Werdum vs Marcin Tybura circa 2017.
For another, the 37-year-old has arguably settled the UFC Featherweight GOAT debate by equalling the legendary Jose Aldo’s record for most title fight victories in this cut-throat division (8). No small feat in optimal conditions for a man five years younger – almost unheard of for a bloke considered elderly by professional pugilist standards.
Here’s how it unfolded on the hallowed grounds of Qudos Bank Arena.
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Round 1
Volk opened by dictating the pace with leg kicks and blitzes, but still took his time to find his true range. Lopes did well to employ his superior length, coming within millimetres of catching Volk on the exit during two echanges. Late in the round, Volk forced Lopes against the fence by shooting the double leg; they separated soon after. In the closing 30 seconds, Volk grew confident enough to begin bullying Lopes for greater Octagon control.
Round 2
Volk quickly settled in on the outside again, investing nicely on the inside and outside of Lopes’ lead leg. Lopes then decided to return some of these downstairs packages to sender with blasting leg kicks of his own. While there didn’t seem to be a hugely noticeable speed differential between the two, Volk certainly timed his entries better. With 30 seconds on the clock, Volk stuffed a takedown attempt and jumped the guillotine – much to the crowd’s applause. No joy. We headed to R3.
Round 3
More thunderous applause for the hometown hero inside Qudos Bank Arena (by B.H.’s scorecard, Volk was comfortably leading at this stage). The two featherweights reverted to a familiar rhythm of lengthier challenger pivoting at the Octagon’s centre and the stout champion circling from the outside. A lion sizing up his prey or struggling to close in? Volk found a home for several crosses – interspersed with several takedown attempts – that Lopes valiantly chinned and brazenly asked for more of. Volk slipped to a knee, causing the entire stadium to gasp and clench, bookending the round.
Round 4
Past the halfway point and into the championship rounds, it was still anyone’s belt. Volk countered beautifully, while Lopes’ chin earned its keep (and then some). At this rate, the title was on track to be retained by Australia. And Lopes was strangely conservative for somebody who might’ve needed a finish to claim UFC gold. Perhaps due to the fact he knows all too well how dangerous The Great is under these conditions. The round ends with frenzied blitzes from both men.
Round 5
It was make or break for Diego Lopes here. Five minutes for the rest of his life, as they say. A minute down, Volk decided he wouldn’t just dance out a decision, and entertained the home crowd by shooting for another double leg – Lopes stuffed it, they separated, before the latter shot his own (which was swiftly reversed).
After a wrestling scramble, Lopes found himself on Volk’s back, climbing for the rear naked. Sadly for the young challenger, the veteran Aussie champ would stand right up, secure his own body lock, and go to work, exacting some scorecard-worthy damage.
Another courageous submission attempt from Lopes – shifting between triangle and armbar from bottom position – that’s answered by an escape; then followed up with some enthusiastic showboating and ground+pound.
Featherweight title defended. GOAT status achieved. Stand up for Alexander Volkanovski, Australia.
Build the man a statue.
RELATED: An Evening With Alexander Volkanovski At The Launch Of B.H. Magazine Volume 5
UFC 325 Results (Main Card)
- Alexander Volkanovski [C] def. Diego Lopes (Featherweight Title) via Unanimous Decision
- Benoit Saint Denis def. Dan Hooker (Lightweight) via TKO in R2
- Mauricio Ruffy def. Rafael Fiziev (Lightweight) via TKO in R2
- Tallison Teixeira def. Tai Tuivasa (Heavyweight) via Unanimous Decision
- Quillan Salkilld def. Jamie Mullarkey (Lightweight) via submission in R1
