Brazilian-born featherweight contender Diego Lopes has declared his intention to leave no doubt in his highly anticipated rematch against champion Alexander Volkanovski. Lopes, who now trains out of Mexico, has openly stated that his sole objective for their upcoming bout at UFC 325 in Australia is to secure a decisive finish, refusing to let the fight go to the judges' scorecards.
Lopes Seeks Redemption With a Definitive Ending
The history between the two fighters adds a intense layer to this clash. Their first encounter took place at UFC 314 in 2025, where Volkanovski defended his title via a unanimous decision after a gruelling five-round battle. Despite the loss, Lopes earned widespread respect for his relentless pressure and heart. Now, the 31-year-old challenger is focused on scripting a completely different conclusion to their story.
In a recent interview with Fox Sports on Tuesday, January 7, 2026, Lopes left no room for ambiguity regarding his game plan. "I’m fighting in enemy territory, I need to finish this fight," Lopes stated emphatically. "Submission or knockout… this is my goal. My goal is to finish him." He believes that Volkanovski, while a legend of the sport, is capable of a critical error that he can capitalise on to change the fight's momentum in an instant.
Volkanovski Dismisses Retirement Talk, Eyes Future Challenges
On the other side of the octagon, the champion is dealing with questions about his longevity. At 37 years old and having suffered three UFC losses—including stoppages against Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria—speculation about his retirement has surfaced. However, Volkanovski swiftly shut down these rumours in a conversation with 10 News in Australia.
"I don’t know where that’s come from," Volkanovski said. "No, it hasn’t been planned to be my last fight. There are definitely no plans." The Australian champion, who reclaimed the vacant featherweight title in his win over Lopes at UFC 314, is fully focused on his upcoming defence. He also mentioned keeping an eye on undefeated contenders like Movsar Evloev and Lerone Murphy for potential future legacy-defining fights.
A High-Stakes Clash in Australian Territory
The stage is set for a dramatic showdown at UFC 325. For Diego Lopes, this is a chance at redemption and the ultimate validation of his skills. His confidence stems from the growth he has experienced since their first meeting. For Alexander Volkanovski, this is about solidifying his reign, silencing doubters, and proving he remains the king of the featherweight division in front of his home crowd.
With Lopes publicly committing to a hunt for a finish and Volkanovski determined to continue his championship run, fans can expect a tactical and explosive battle where both men have everything to gain and everything to lose.
