Alexander Volkanovski vs Diego Lopes 2 Fight Preview and Breakdown UFC 325
Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes run it back for the UFC Featherweight Championship at UFC 325, a rematch that pits elite championship craft against a dangerous finisher with momentum after beating Jean Silva back in September.
Volkanovski won their first meeting by decision way back in April 2025, surviving late danger and pulling away with cleaner work and veteran pacing. This is the Australian’s first fight since that win and he’s 1-2 in his last 3 (loss to Ilia Topuria at UFC 298 and loss to Islam Makhachev at UFC 294).
Volkanovski vs Lopes 2 Preview
Volkanovski vs Lopes 2 tale of the tape and experience edge
| Fighter | Record | Age | Height | Stance | KO | SUB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alexander Volkanovski | 27-4 | 37 | 1.68 m | Orthodox | 13 | 3 |
| Diego Lopes | 27-7 | 31 | 1.80 m | Orthodox | 11 | 12 |
Volkanovski has built his reigns on minute winning habits, layered feints, and round management, while Lopes has carved a reputation as a finisher who can end fights fast on the feet/mat AS WELL as being able to take it the distance.,
Volkanovski vs Lopes 2 striking style matchup: pace, positioning, and shot selection
On paper, Volkanovski’s biggest stylistic advantage is sustainable volume with efficient defense. UFC Stats lists him at 6.18 significant strikes landed per minute (SLpM) while absorbing 3.36 (SApM), with 56% striking accuracy and 58% striking defense. Lopes lands less volume at 4.10 SLpM and absorbs more at 4.72 SApM, with 48% accuracy and 47% defense.
| Metric (UFC Stats) | Volkanovski | Lopes |
|---|---|---|
| SLpM | 6.18 | 4.10 |
| SApM | 3.36 | 4.72 |
| Striking accuracy | 56% | 48% |
| Striking defense | 58% | 47% |
That gap suggests a pretty familiar state of play: Volkanovski using feints, stance reads, and angles to win the jab and low kick exchanges, then building combinations when Lopes loads up. Lopes’ best moments tend to come when he forces chaotic exchanges, especially after he pressures Volkanovski toward the fence and throws in bursts.
Volkanovski vs Lopes 2 grappling and scrambling: control vs submission threat
Volkanovski is not a pure wrestler, but he does blend takedowns into striking rhythm. Volk has 1.67 takedowns per 15 minutes (34% accuracy), compared with Lopes at 0.79 per 15 (55% accuracy). The more important stylistic note is what happens after contact: Lopes owns a heavy submission profile historically, and his best path is turning any clinch, knockdown, or scramble into back exposure and chokes.
Volkanovski vs Lopes 2 keys to victory and prediction lean
Volkanovski’s path: Volk needs to keep exchanges long, win minutes with volume, and change levels just enough to break Lopes’ pressure rhythm. If he stays disciplined defensively, the statistics support the chances of him winning rounds consistently.
Lopes’ path: Lopes HAS to volatility early, attack the body and legs to slow Volkanovski’s footwork, then hunt submissions if Volkanovski shoots or slips into scrambles.
Lean: Volkanovski by decision, unless Lopes lands a momentum swing that forces extended grappling danger, which is where the rematch can flip fast.
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