- Alexander Volkanovski vs Diego Lopes: The Ultimate Showdown
- Event: UFC 325
- Location: Qudos Bank Arena, South Wales, Australia
- Date: Saturday, January 31, 2026
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On January 31, 2026, Alexander Volkanovski is set to clash with Diego Lopes at UFC 325. The initial odds favor Volkanovski at -135, while Lopes comes in at +115.
Known as “The Great,” Alexander Volkanovski enters the Octagon with an impressive record of 27 wins and 4 losses. At 37 years old, he competes at 145 lbs and stands 5’6″ tall, boasting a reach of 71 inches. Diego Lopes, on the other hand, has a career record of 27 wins and 7 losses. The 31-year-old stands tall at 5’11” with a reach of 72 inches, also competing at 145 lbs. In terms of striking, Volkanovski averages 6.18 significant strikes landed per minute, while Lopes averages 4.10. Volkanovski connects with 56% of his strikes, whereas Lopes achieves a 48% connection rate. When it comes to defense, Volkanovski absorbs 3.36 significant strikes per minute compared to Lopes, who absorbs 4.72. Volkanovski successfully defends against 58% of significant strikes, while Lopes deflects 47%.
| UFC 325 Matchup | Alexander Volkanovski | Diego Lopes |
|---|---|---|
| Opening Odds | -135 | +115 |
| Fight Record | 27-4-0 | 27-7-0 |
| Average Fight Duration | 16:21 | 10:31 |
| Height | 5’6″ | 5’11” |
| Weight | 145 lbs | 145 lbs |
| Reach | 71″ | 72″ |
| Strikes Landed per Minute | 6.18 | 4.10 |
| Striking Accuracy | 56% | 48% |
When it comes to grappling, Volkanovski demonstrates superior wrestling skills, averaging 1.67 takedowns every 15 minutes. He successfully executes 34% of his takedown attempts while defending against 70% from his opponents. Lopes, however, proves to be effective with a takedown success rate of 55% and defends against 67% of takedowns. In terms of submission attempts, Volkanovski averages only 0.2 finishes per three rounds, in contrast to Lopes’s 1.7 attempts per 15 minutes.
In their previous encounter, Alexander Volkanovski emerged victorious over Diego Lopes by unanimous decision in the fifth round. Lopes executed 71 of his 203 total strike attempts during that match. Volkanovski, in contrast, landed 165 out of 266 overall strikes. Regarding significant strikes, Lopes hit 63 of 194 for an accuracy of 32%, landing 49 directed at the head. Volkanovski’s significant strike accuracy was notably higher, connecting on 61% of his strikes, totaling 158 out of 259, with 136 of 225 aimed at the head. A staggering 93% of Lopes’s significant strikes and 89% of Volkanovski’s were landed at a distance.
Diego Lopes’s latest bout featured a match against Jean Silva, where he secured a victory via knockout in round 2. Silva had a striking accuracy of 97% at distance, while Lopes managed to connect on 41% of his distant strikes. Lopes landed a total of 74 out of 135 significant strikes, including 63 aimed at the head. In the same fight, Silva recorded 43 of 91 significant strikes landed, with 26 directed at the head. In total strikes, Silva achieved 43 of 91 while Lopes hit an impressive 86 out of 154.
Additional Fights on the Card
An exciting matchup you won’t want to miss is between Dan Hooker and Benoit Saint Denis. Hooker, sporting a record of 24 wins and 13 losses, weighs in at 155 lbs and stands 6’0″ with a reach of 75 inches. Saint Denis, at 5’11” and 155 lbs, comes in with a record of 16-3-0 (1 NC). Dan Hooker averages 0.71 takedowns per 15 minutes, while Benoit Saint Denis scores 4.33 takedowns per three rounds. In striking, Hooker connects on 4.89 strikes per minute, achieving a 48% accuracy rate. Conversely, Saint Denis maintains an impressive 55% striking accuracy, landing an average of 5.07 strikes per minute.
Another intriguing bout features Mauricio Ruffy facing off against Rafael Fiziev. Fiziev enters the Octagon with a 13-4-0 record and weighs 155 lbs, standing at 5’8″ with a reach of 71 inches. Ruffy, competing at 155 lbs, boasts a record of 12-2-0 and a height of 5’11” with a reach of 75 inches. Fiziev showcases strong wrestling, defending against 90% of takedowns and completing 72% of his attempts. Ruffy, with a takedown success rate of only 15% but able to stop 84% of opponent attempts, will look to exploit Fiziev’s striking, connecting on 4.77 strikes per minute while absorbing 4.16.
Who will triumph in tonight’s highly anticipated UFC matchup?
Prediction: Bet on Alexander Volkanovski (-135)
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