Australia's Alexander Volkanovski has further cemented his position as one of the greatest featherweight fighters in history, after outclassing Brazilian Diego Lopes at UFC 325 to tie Jose Aldo's record for most title defenses in the division.
The Australian's fifth-round win by unanimous decision ensured he retained his featherweight crown and moved on to a sixth title defence across two reigns. Volkanovski's victory came as no surprise, given his long history of dominating opponents with his footwork, distance management and pinpoint accuracy.
Volkanovski landed the more impactful shots among five rounds of slick movement and control, earning 49-46, 49-46, and 50-45 on the judges' scorecards. The Brazilian had been hoping to reverse the trend in their rivalry that saw Volkanovski beat Lopes for the vacant belt back in April.
Two-time champion Volkanovski showed his mental toughness and adaptability as he took control from the opening bell with his footwork and distance management. His opponent, 31-year-old Lopes, was unable to replicate the dominant performance of their first meeting, which saw Volkanovski retain his title by unanimous decision.
Although Lopes briefly knocked down Volkanovski in the third round, he recovered well from that setback and continued to pose a threat with some impressive leg kicks. However, it was Volkanovski's superior skillset on the night that told as he stung Lopes intermittently with his right hand.
The win marked Volkanovski's 13th victory in the UFC and sixth title defence across two reigns. The Australian has now joined Jose Aldo at the top of the all-time list for most title defenses in the featherweight division, cementing his status as one of the sport's all-time greats.
For Lopes, a second consecutive loss will be a setback, but he can take comfort from having pushed the champion to the limit. His impressive performance on the night has raised hopes that he could mount another challenge in the future, and many are now eagerly awaiting his next outing as he looks to bounce back from this defeat.
In the aftermath of the bout, Volkanovski praised Lopes for pushing him hard and providing a stern test. He also expressed his gratitude to his corner team for their support during the fight. With this win, Volkanovski has taken another major step towards cementing his legacy as one of the greatest featherweight fighters in history.
The Australian's victory at UFC 325 will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for the featherweight division in the months and years to come. As he continues on his title reign, fans can expect to witness more thrilling performances from Volkanovski, who is well-positioned to become one of the greatest champions in MMA history.
The Australian's fifth-round win by unanimous decision ensured he retained his featherweight crown and moved on to a sixth title defence across two reigns. Volkanovski's victory came as no surprise, given his long history of dominating opponents with his footwork, distance management and pinpoint accuracy.
Volkanovski landed the more impactful shots among five rounds of slick movement and control, earning 49-46, 49-46, and 50-45 on the judges' scorecards. The Brazilian had been hoping to reverse the trend in their rivalry that saw Volkanovski beat Lopes for the vacant belt back in April.
Two-time champion Volkanovski showed his mental toughness and adaptability as he took control from the opening bell with his footwork and distance management. His opponent, 31-year-old Lopes, was unable to replicate the dominant performance of their first meeting, which saw Volkanovski retain his title by unanimous decision.
Although Lopes briefly knocked down Volkanovski in the third round, he recovered well from that setback and continued to pose a threat with some impressive leg kicks. However, it was Volkanovski's superior skillset on the night that told as he stung Lopes intermittently with his right hand.
The win marked Volkanovski's 13th victory in the UFC and sixth title defence across two reigns. The Australian has now joined Jose Aldo at the top of the all-time list for most title defenses in the featherweight division, cementing his status as one of the sport's all-time greats.
For Lopes, a second consecutive loss will be a setback, but he can take comfort from having pushed the champion to the limit. His impressive performance on the night has raised hopes that he could mount another challenge in the future, and many are now eagerly awaiting his next outing as he looks to bounce back from this defeat.
In the aftermath of the bout, Volkanovski praised Lopes for pushing him hard and providing a stern test. He also expressed his gratitude to his corner team for their support during the fight. With this win, Volkanovski has taken another major step towards cementing his legacy as one of the greatest featherweight fighters in history.
The Australian's victory at UFC 325 will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for the featherweight division in the months and years to come. As he continues on his title reign, fans can expect to witness more thrilling performances from Volkanovski, who is well-positioned to become one of the greatest champions in MMA history.
another fighter breaking Jose Aldo's record 
. Volkanovski's fifth-round win by unanimous decision was super predictable 
. I mean, his footwork and distance management are just so overrated 
. The Brazilian, Lopes, actually had a good chance of winning if he could replicate the dominant performance from their first meeting 
. But nope, Volkanovski's superior skillset won out in the end 
. 13th UFC win for him, sixth title defense... just another number on his resume 
. The featherweight division is basically doomed now 
. Can't wait to see what's next 
I mean, the dude is like a superhero on the octagon, always adapting and taking down his opponents with ease 
He's clearly one of the greatest featherweight fighters of all time, and this win cemented his status as an MMA legend 
.
. The Brazilian's leg kicks were so cool, and I loved how he refused to back down even after getting knocked down in the third round 
.
. He's like a master strategist on the octagon, always one step ahead of his opponents 
!
. I mean, that guy is like a ghost out there – you can't even touch him 
.
! And to join Jose Aldo at the top of that all-time list? 
. He gave it his all, but Volkanovski was just one step ahead. Can't wait to see what he does next – I'm rooting for him to come back stronger than ever 
...one loss does not define him as a fighter, he's already shown he can hang with the best (remember that first fight? 
...he'll be back and next time it'll be a real barnburner 
. It's all good, the champ still reigned supreme 
!
. The way he took control from the opening bell and never looked back was incredible to watch! 13th UFC victory is insane 
.
. Alexander Volkanovski's got game for days, no question. And let's be real, 13 wins in the UFC isn't something you can just do 
. Volkanovski showed his mental toughness by taking control from the get-go, which is what separates the champs from the contenders in my book 
, but that just showed me more about how tough Volkanovski is. He's got heart, you know? 
Anyway, congrats to Volkanovski on another sick win! 
. Can't wait to see what he does next tho, maybe next time he'll come for the champ 
, always 1 step ahead of his opponents. I'm loving how he's been able to adapt his game and make his title defenses count. Lopes put up a good fight, but at the end of the day, Volkanovski's skills just took over... check it out - 
! 50-45 on two judges' scorecards? That's like getting a perfect game in baseball, mate! 
And Volkanovski's mental toughness is just as impressive. He takes the hits and keeps on coming, like a bulldog with a bone 
, and now it's like having the fight right in your living room 
and that right hand is so powerful 
️. this win will definitely cement volkanovski's legacy as one of the all-time greats, and i'm hyped to see what he does next 
️
, it's like he's dancing with his opponents 
He's got the skills to take down anyone who steps into the ring with him 
. The guy can absorb a punch, stay calm under pressure, and then come out swinging 
, always executing his game plan with precision.
!