UFC President Dana White has a bold message for fans: If you’re not excited about Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes at UFC 325, don’t bother tuning in. But here’s where it gets controversial—is this matchup truly deserving of a main event slot, or is the UFC missing the mark? Let’s dive in.
The UFC’s 2026 schedule kicks off on January 24, marking the beginning of the Paramount era. However, the promotion is already facing backlash over the perceived lack of star power in its upcoming events. Kayla Harrison’s withdrawal from UFC 324, due to a significant injury, has left that card without a single undisputed divisional title fight. And this is the part most people miss—UFC 326 in March isn’t faring much better, with only the symbolic BMF belt on the line. That leaves UFC 325, scheduled for January 31, as the sole event in the first three months of 2026 to feature an undisputed title fight. Yet, even this matchup has left fans divided.
Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes II is the main event in question. Volkanovski, Australia’s greatest MMA fighter, is defending his featherweight title for the first time in his second reign. But here’s the twist—Lopes, despite dropping Volkanovski in their first fight at UFC 314, isn’t exactly a fan favorite for this rematch. Many believe contenders like Lerone Murphy or Movsar Evloev, both undefeated, were more deserving of the shot. So, why did the UFC go with Lopes? His entertaining style and recent win over Jean Silva seem to have tipped the scales in his favor, but the decision has sparked heated debates among fans, fighters, and analysts alike.
Dana White, however, remains unfazed by the criticism. In a recent interview with Complex, he bluntly stated, ‘If you don’t like it, don’t watch it.’ He defended the matchup, claiming it was the fight that made the most sense behind closed doors. But is White’s dismissive attitude a risky move? If fans take his advice and skip UFC 325, could it backfire on the promotion?
Adding another layer of intrigue, rumors have swirled about Volkanovski’s potential retirement following UFC 325. While ‘Alexander the Great’ has shut down these claims, insisting he plans to continue fighting, the speculation persists. During an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, he clarified, ‘Unless things go horrendously wrong, I’m planning on going back out there.’ But could this be the beginning of the end for the two-time featherweight king?
Here’s the burning question: Is the UFC prioritizing entertainment over merit with this matchup, or is there more to the story? Share your thoughts in the comments below. And don’t forget to join our newsletter for weekly updates on all things MMA, delivered straight to your inbox!
