Alexander Volkanovski has reflected on his UFC 325 victory over Diego Lopes, explaining why he believes his opponent was ultimately unlucky to share the Octagon with him on the sport’s biggest stage. The featherweight champion delivered another measured, high-level performance, but his post-fight comments showed respect for the challenge Lopes posed across 25 demanding minutes.
Alexander Volkanovski has reflected on his UFC 325 victory over Diego Lopes, explaining why he believes his opponent was ultimately unlucky to share the Octagon with him on the sport’s biggest stage.
The featherweight champion delivered another measured, high-level performance, but his post-fight comments showed respect for the challenge Lopes posed across 25 demanding minutes.
Rather than downplaying the difficulty, Volkanovski framed the matchup as one shaped by styles, experience, and timing.
Alexander Volkanovski explains why Diego Lopes was unlucky at UFC 325
Volkanovski addressed the matchup in comments shared publicly by Home of Fight, explaining why Lopes ran into a uniquely difficult problem by facing him in consecutive title fights.
“It’s just unfortunate that he had to fight me for two title fights. I don’t mean that in a bad way, I mean that I know how to work the octagon footwork,” Volkanovski said.
He added: “I can do all these things and take advantage of that with him. A lot of fighters won’t be able to do it for 25 minutes.”
The champion pointed to his understanding of distance, movement, and pacing as decisive factors.
Across five rounds, Volkanovski consistently controlled the centre of the cage, limiting Lopes’ opportunities to build sustained offence.
The fight ended in a unanimous decision, reflecting Volkanovski’s ability to maintain control from the opening round to the final bell.
Alexander Volkanovski is confident Diego Lopes will rebound after loss
Despite the clear result, Volkanovski was quick to stress that the defeat does not define Lopes’ future.
“It’s unfortunate because if he had 10 rounds of anyone else? They ain’t doing what I did for those 10 rounds. … He’ll be back. He’s still young enough, obviously we won’t have a turnaround too quick.”
UFC 325 showcased Volkanovski’s championship experience, particularly in managing energy and adapting mid-fight.
Lopes showed toughness and durability throughout the contest, absorbing sustained pressure while continuing to engage.
For Lopes, the night served as another step in a career still very much in progress.
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Category: General Sports
