This is the UFC 325 live blog for Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes 2, the featherweight championship. main event Saturday at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney.
Volkanovski (26-4), currently in his second reign as UFC featherweight champion, is tied for the No. 8 spot in the MMA Fighting Pound-for-Pound Rankings. At 36, Volkanovski became the oldest fighter to win the UFC’s 145-pound title when he defeated Lopes for a vacant belt at UFC 314 this past April; now 37, he can become the oldest fighter to successfully defend it. Volkanovski can also tie the great Jose Aldo for the most featherweight championship wins (8) if he defeats Lopes again.
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He’s not the title challenger most fans were expecting, but Lopes (27-7) is focused on making the most of a second golden opportunity. Lopes dispatched Jean Silva in September to keep his name in the minds of the matchmakers and he now gets a shot at redemption and to become one of the more unlikely champions in UFC history.
Check out the UFC 325 live blog for Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes 2 below.
Preamble
This should be easy work for Alexander Volkanovski, taking on a dude it feels like he beat just yesterday. But The MMA Gods, they are mischievous…
Walkouts
Always tell me the odds
Respect to the champ, a slight favorite at -162 on FanDuel. Lopes plus money at +136.
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Round 1
Marc Goddard the third man in the cage for the main event.
They’re working to establish the range. Volkanovski circling, not letting Lopes cut off the cage. Step-in body kick from Lopes. Inside leg kick from Volkanovski. Quick takedown from Volkanovski, Lopes blocks it and hits a counter right. Sneaky right from Volkanovski. Looping left from Volkanovski scores. They’re showing each other plenty of respect, not overcommitting to any follow-ups.
Another inside leg kick from Volkanovski lands. He’s content to chop away at Lopes. Jab lands for Volkanovski. He gets deep on a takedown and looks for a trip, Lopes with a solid base. Little shots inside by Volkanovski as he pushes Lopes against the fence. Lopes out of there with less than a minute to go.
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Counter right by Volkanovski, then a jab. He presses forward with a jab and Lopes smiles. Solid start for the champ.
MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9, Volkanovski.
Round 2
Volkanovski circling, he’s letting Lopes come to him. Right hand from Volkanovski scores, followed by a leg kick. Another inside leg kick lands as Lopes advances. There’s a hard low kick from Lopes. Poking jab from Volkanovski as he keeps Lopes guessing. Lopes with a right hand that puts Volkanovski on the defensive. Flurry from Lopes, but Volkanovski evades. Right hand down the middle by Lopes, then a solid leg kick.
Uppercut from Lopes, Volkanovski counters with a left hand. Volkanovski inside with a 1-2, he lets his hands go and Lopes trades with him. Volkanovski lets a right hand fly and connects. The speed of Volkanovski is so impressive even at this stage of his career. Left hook, right hand by Volkanovski. He’s landing more.
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Lopes with a late takedown attempt. Volkanovski jumps the gilly. Dustin Poirier would be proud. Lopes breaks it and just falls on top of him. He attacks Volkanovski’s back but there’s no time for a finish.
MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9, Volkanovski. Overall, 20-18 Volkanovski.
