This is the UFC 325 live blog for Alexander Volkanovski vs. Featherweight Champion Diego Lopes 2. Saturday’s main event will take place at Cudosbank Arena in Sydney.
Volkanovski (26-4) is currently claiming his second UFC featherweight title and is tied for eighth in the pound-for-pound rankings of MMA Fighting. In April this year, the 36-year-old Volkanovski defeated Lopez in the UFC 314 game to win the vacant belt, becoming the oldest boxer to win the UFC 145-pound championship; now 37 years old, he can become the oldest boxer to successfully defend the title. If Volkanovski defeats Lopez again, he can also tie the great Jose Aldo for the most featherweight titles (8 games).
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He’s not the title challenger most fans expected, but Lopez (27-7) is focused on making the most of his second golden opportunity. Lopez sent out Jean Silva in September to keep his name in the minds of matchmakers, and now he has a chance at redemption and becoming one of the most unlikely champions in UFC history.
Check out the UFC 325 Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes 2 live blog below.
Preface
This should be an easy thing for Alexander Volkanovski, against a guy who feels like he just beat yesterday. But MMA gods, they are naughty…
strike
always tell me the odds
In a nod to the champ, it’s a slight favorite with a -162 rating on FanDuel. Lopez adds money to +136.
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first round
Marc Goddard was the third man to enter the cage in the main event.
They’re trying to build range. Volkanovski circled, not letting Lopez chop away at the cage. Stepping body kick from Lopez. Inside leg kick from Volkanovski. Lopez quickly intercepted Volkanovski, blocked the ball and counterattacked with a right shot. Sneak from Volkanovski. Volkanovski scores a loop to the left. They showed enough respect for each other and didn’t over-promise any follow-up.
Another inside leg kick lands from Volkanovski. He was content to chop Lopez. Volkanovski picks up Jabu. He takes down deep and looks for tripping opportunities, and Lopez has a solid foundation. Volkanovski pushed Lopez against the fence and shot inside. Lopez had been out of there for less than a minute.
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Volkanovski counters with a right and then jabs. He thrust forward, and Lopez smiled. Lay a solid foundation for the championship.
Volkanovski scores the round 10-9 in MMA.
second round
Volkanovski circled, allowing Lopez to come to him. Volkanovski lands a right hand, followed by a leg kick. Another inside kick lands as Lopez advances. Lopez hits a big bass kick. Volkanovski’s jab keeps Lopez guessing. A right hand from Lopez puts Volkanovski on the defensive. Lopez goes for a flurry, but Volkanovski ducks out of the way. Lopez lands a right hand down the middle, followed by a solid leg kick.
Uppercut from Lopez, Volkanovski counters with a left hand. Volkanovski goes 1-2 inside, he lets go and Lopez trades with him. Volkanovski flies out with a right hand and connects. Even at this stage of his career, Volkanovski’s speed is impressive. Left hook from Volkanovski, right hand. He landed more often.
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Lopez attempted a takedown late on. Volkanovski danced the ghillie. Dustin Poirier would be proud. Lopez broke it and fell on top of him. He attacks Volkanovski’s back but doesn’t have time to finish.
Volkanovski scores the round 10-9 in MMA. Overall, 20-18 Volkanovski.