Nine months after securing the vacant featherweight title by outpointing Diego Lopes, Alexander Volkanovski will defend his title for the first time against Lopes in a rematch at UFC 325 in Sydney, Australia.

The main focus of this rematch, which comes on the heels of Lopes’ victory over Jean Silva, revolves around his performance at UFC 314, where despite landing significant strikes, Lopes fell short in the decision.

Lopes, 31, from Brazil, acknowledges the learning experiences from his previous bout with Volkanovski, saying, “When I look back at the first fight, I know that I had big moments but I am grateful because the first fight with Volk taught me a lot of different things.”

He aims to bring a refined strategy this time around, particularly emphasizing his jiu-jitsu training since moving to Mexico and his change in approach to this rematch after realizing the first fight’s impact on his career.

On Volkanovski’s part, he expresses confidence in his ability to adapt and capitalize on Lopes’ readiness for a different strategy. “I think there is a lot that I can capitalize on because I’m capable of changing things and utilizing a new strategy,” Volkanovski stated.

As the fighters prepare for UFC 325, the stakes are high with Volkanovski seeking his sixth title defense, equating him closer to the record while Lopes aims to fulfill a long-standing promise to his family of becoming a champion.