Alexander Volkanovski seems to have been caught off guard by the announcement of his next fight. On the night of last Thursday (27), the Ultimate confirmed that the Australian will defend the featherweight belt (up to 65,7kg) against Diego Lopes in the main fight of UFC 325. However, the champion expected to face other opponents.
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In a video posted to his YouTube channel, the fighter revealed that he was working towards facing names like Lerone Murphy or Movsar Evloev in December, contenders he himself had publicly challenged.
“We thought about Lerone Murphy in December, Movsar, Lerone Murphy … I thought those were the two guys, those are the guys I called,” said Alexander Volkanovski.
The undefeated duo is set to face off to determine Volkanovski's next challenger.
Before Diego Lopes was announced as Alexander Volkanovski 's next challenger , fan expectations were similar to those of the champion. Movsar Evloev and Lerone Murphy emerged as the main contenders for the title, both boasting impressive undefeated records: 19 wins for Evloev and 17 for Murphy.
Despite seeing their title shot slip away, Evloev wasted no time in lamenting. The Russian quickly turned his attention to Murphy, aiming for a fight that could determine the next challenger for the featherweight title.
“ Lerone Murphy , I’m going to give you the opportunity to face the number one contender. Let your people know you’re ready to fight me on the same card as the title fight,” wrote Movsar Evloev in a post on 'X'.
Leon Murpy I will give you the opportunity to fight the number one contender. Tell your people your ready to fight me on the same card as the championship
— Movsar Evloev (@MovsarUFC) November 27, 2025
Diego Lopes faces Alexander Volkanovski in rematch
Alexander Volkanovski (right) in victory over Diego Lopes (left) at UFC 314. Photo: Reproduction/UFC
In the first encounter between Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes , held in April, the Brazilian had few opportunities to impose his game. Dominated in the stand-up fight, he ended up losing by unanimous decision, a result that made it clear to fans that El Brabo would need a few more performances before returning to a title fight.
However, the scenario changed rapidly. After a masterful performance and knockout victory over Jean Silva in the main event of Noche UFC in September, Diego Lopes secured his rematch in less than a year.
UFC 325 will take place on January 31, 2026.
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