UFC 325: Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes: Preview and Prediction

Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes will headline UFC 325 this Saturday, delivering a high-stakes featherweight title clash. The championship bout crowns an already stacked event as UFC Paramount visits Sydney, Australia.

Both Volkanovski and Lopes step in brimming with belief, knowing that a statement win here defines legacies. Volkanovski brings championship composure, elite fight IQ, and proven five-round experience, while Lopes arrives with hunger and a finishing threat that has electrified fans.

With contrasting styles and enormous stakes, this main event promises tactical brilliance and explosive moments. Ahead of fight night, the question remains: which of these two elite featherweights holds the clearer path to victory when it matters most?

Alexander Volkanovski

Alexander Volkanovski has long been celebrated as one of the greatest featherweights in UFC history. During his previous reign, Volkanovski stacked multiple title defenses against the division’s best, earning respect as a dominant and disciplined champion. That aura of invincibility was shaken when he suffered a shocking knockout loss to Ilia Topuria.

However, at 36 years old, Volkanovski defied expectations, regrouped mentally and physically, and bounced back in emphatic fashion. He beat Diego Lopes and captured the belt once again, and plans to keep it longer and defend it a couple of more times.

Diego Lopes

Diego Lopes is one of most fast-rising featherweight contenders recognized for his explosive finishing ability and fearless style. Lopes has rapidly captured fan attention with his dynamic submission game, sharp striking, and constant willingness to hunt the finish, making every appearance must-watch television.

Still carving his place among the division’s elite, Lopes embodies the new wave of featherweights eager to dethrone established champions. In his first bout against Volk, the Brazilian fighter looked helpless and made several mistakes, which cost him the bout. However, going into the rematch, Lopes is calm and wants to win the belt and doesn’t care about taking revenge.

How to watch Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes

For U.S. viewers, UFC 325 will stream exclusively on Paramount+, continuing its run as the home for all numbered UFC events. The main card begins at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT on Saturday, airing live from Sydney, Australia.

Australian fans can watch the main card live on Sunday at 2 p.m. AEDT, with the prelims starting earlier in the afternoon. UK viewers can follow the action via TNT Sports Box Office or Discovery+, with the main card airing early Sunday morning around 3 a.m. GMT.

SHOP: Kickboxing Equipment

Tale of the Tape

CATEGORY	Alexander Volkanovski	Diego Lopes
AGE	36	30
HEIGHT	5′6″	5′11″
REACH	71″	72″
PRO RECORD	26–4–0	25–6–0
FIGHTING OUT OF	Wollongong, Australia	Manaus, Brazil

Alexander Volkanovski vs Diego Lopes: Final Prediction

Alexander Volkanovski approaches fights with structure and efficiency, prioritizing control over chaos. He excels at managing range and forcing opponents to fight at his tempo, steadily banking rounds through clean combinations, and positional awareness.

On the other side, Diego Lopes thrives in disorder, using sudden bursts and aggressive grappling to disrupt rhythm. Lopes is most dangerous when exchanges become messy early, but as the fight settles, Volkanovski’s experience, adaptability, and ability to make mid-fight adjustments should blunt those threats. Over five rounds, that tactical edge and composure give Volkanovski a strong path to winning a disciplined decision.

Final Prediction: Alexander Volkanovski via unanimous decision.