Alexander Volkanovski: “I Don’t Care About the Names” Ahead of UFC 325 Defense
Alexander Volkanovski clarified his position on title shot selection during the UFC 325 media day, emphasizing that he prioritizes fighters who earn their opportunities through the ranking system rather than those with big names alone.
The featherweight champion will defend his title against Diego Lopes on February 1 at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, marking the first time he has defended a championship on Australian soil. The rematch comes nine months after Volkanovski defeated Lopes by unanimous decision at UFC 314 in Miami to reclaim the vacant title.
Alexander Volkanovski Clarifies Stance on Merit vs. Names Before Diego Lopes Rematch
When asked about his preference for fighting contenders who deserve title shots, Volkanovski explained his philosophy on meritocracy. “I don’t care about the names,” he said at the press conference. “If there’s a name that doesn’t deserve it, I’m not too interested in that. I’ll fight anyone anywhere, that’s how I am. But for me that is important.”
The Australian fighter referenced his previous title reign, which featured five successful defenses between 2019 and 2023, including three victories over Max Holloway and wins against Brian Ortega, Chan Sung Jung, and Yair Rodriguez. “I’ve said that through my whole career if you remember my title run,” Volkanovski continued. “I’m trying to find someone, make it clear and be that guy that should be next. I want a clear guy that’s meant to be in front of me. Let’s go. I’m a believer in the ranking system.”
The Lopes rematch has drawn criticism from some observers who argue that undefeated contenders Movsar Evloev (19-0) and Lerone Murphy (15-0-1) are more deserving of title opportunities. Volkanovski himself acknowledged this sentiment in November, stating that while Evloev and Murphy were “more deserving,” the UFC wanted Lopes because he would “bring the fight” and create an entertaining matchup for fans.
Lopes earned the rematch after knocking out Jean Silva in the second round at Noche UFC in September, ending Silva’s 13-fight winning streak. That victory came five months after his decision loss to Volkanovski, during which he knocked down the champion in the second round before losing on all three scorecards (48-47, 49-46, 49-46).
The positioning of undefeated contenders creates an interesting dynamic in the division. Evloev holds the longest active winning streak among UFC featherweights at nine consecutive victories, though notably all have come by decision. Murphy recently secured his ninth straight UFC win with a first-round knockout of Aaron Pico in August. The two fighters are scheduled to face each other at UFC Fight Night 270 on March 21.
Volkanovski, who became the first male UFC fighter to win a title over age 35 in divisions between flyweight and lightweight when he defeated Lopes at UFC 314, has been transparent about his belief in merit-based title shots throughout his career. This stance contrasts with the current UFC landscape, where champions in other divisions have pursued high-profile matchups over top-ranked contenders.
At 37 years old, Volkanovski indicated at media day that he plans to remain active in 2026, targeting a mid-year return if he can avoid significant damage against Lopes. He expressed confidence in his ability to finish the fight, saying he wants to “bulldoze” through opponents when opportunities present themselves while remaining calculated in his approach.
