Volkanovski's coach says he's surprised by the announcement of a rematch against Diego Lopes in the UFC.

Stare of Alexander Volkanovsky (left) and Diego lopes (dir.) before the UFC 314. Photo: Reproduction Instagram/UFC

The announcement of the main fight of UFC 325 across Alexander Volkanovsky e Diego lopes It caught a significant portion of the MMA world by surprise. Despite having shared the octagon in April of this year, the two athletes will face off again for the featherweight title (up to 65,7 kg) at the second numbered event of 2026. In this context, even Joe Lopez, the Australian's head coach, was impressed by the choice of... matchmakers in repeating the confrontation.

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In an interview with 'Submission Radio' this Friday (28), the coach revealed that the offer came a few days after the duel between Franja and Jean Silvain addition to implying that Movsar Evloev e Lerone murphy, both undefeated and members of the top 5, would be more deserving of the opportunity.

“That’s what they (UFC) offered us. A week or two after Diego’s fight, they put it on the table. We thought it would be Movsar or Murphy, or the winner between Murphy and Pico. When Murphy got that spectacular knockout, we said it would be Murphy, and all the signs pointed to him. Diego also got his spectacular knockout and everything changed,” Lopez stated.

Alexander Volkanovsky's coach didn't expect Diego lopes to get the fight, especially with Lerone murphy and Movsar Evloev there

"We thought it was gonna be either Movsar or Murphy, or the winner out of Murphy/Pico. When Murphy had that spectacular KO, we said it's Murphy and… pic.twitter.com/KJnmxo9krR

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) November 28, 2025

Volkanovski and Diego Lopes competed for the vacant title in Topuria.

Alexander Volkanovsky before fight in UFC 314. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC India

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Although their initial fight was for the title, this duel will be Volkanovski's first opportunity to defend his belt against the Brazilian. In their last fight, they competed for the top spot in the division, which was vacant after the transition of... Ilia Topuria for the lightweight category (up to 70,3 kg). If he manages another victory, it would be the Australian's sixth successful title defense, leaving him just one more win away from equaling the legendary record. José Aldo.