Volkanovski (27-4 MMA, 14-3 UFC) defeated Lopes (27-7 MMA, 6-2 UFC) by unanimous decision at UFC 314 to claim the vacant featherweight title. He faces the same opponent in his first defense on Jan. 31 in the UFC 325 headliner at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney (Paramount+).

Alexander Volkanovski’s coach reacts in shock as Movsar Evloev and Lerone Murphy get overlooked for the title shot, raising major questions.