Name: Alexander Volkanovski set to defend UFC title in Sydney rematch
Uploaded: 2025-12-09T07:01:49.586Z
Duration: 1 min 45 s
Description: Australian UFC champion Alexander Volkanovski will defend his featherweight title in his home city of Sydney against Brazilian Diego Lopes. Volkanovski addresses speculation about retirement and expresses confidence ahead of the bout.

Australian UFC champion Alexander Volkanovski will defend his featherweight title in his home city of Sydney against Brazilian Diego Lopes. Volkanovski addresses speculation about retirement and expresses confidence ahead of the bout.

Council of the City of Sydney

Australian UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski is preparing to defend his title on home soil in Sydney against Brazilian challenger Diego Lopez. Volkanovski, who reclaimed the belt in April by unanimous decision, expressed excitement about competing in front of local fans and acknowledged the strong support from his community.

Despite rumors suggesting this could be his final fight, Volkanovski clarified that he has no plans to retire and intends to continue his career. He also addressed the surprise over Lopez receiving a rematch and sent a warning to other potential challengers, promising a strong performance in the upcoming bout.

Alexander Volkanovski set to defend UFC title in Sydney rematch

Great by name and nature. Australia's top UFC fighter is this time on his turf. Look, fans are so excited to see you not only defend your first world title on home soil, but in your home city. You must be so excited yourself. Yeah, very excited. Obviously the support's always incredible, no matter where I'm competing. To be able to do this literally at home, it's so good. Because the backing I've had, even from everyone in the Luara and all that, they've backed me from the start. After a unanimous decision win to claim the featherweight belt back in April, he faces Brazilian Diego Lopez again. I feel like we had a good game plan in that first one, but he will be prepared for that. So we're going to have to mix it up a little bit. I'm expecting to go out there and really set a statement. I'm 37 years old now. A lot of people are obviously going to be questioning that. I want to show them that I can still take out these guys. The rumour has been in overdrive since this fight was announced. Will this be your last time in the octagon? Yeah, I'm seeing that everywhere as well. I don't know where that comes from. No, it hasn't been planned to be my last fight, so you don't need to really worry about that. I think you're going to just take it as it goes from here on. Some fans, including Volk himself, were surprised Lopez was offered the rematch, but the Great is ready for whoever's next to come his way. Maybe send a message to your Leroy Murphys and Movsars that have been calling for that fight. Be careful what you wish for. That's the type of statement I feel like I'm going to bring February 1st. Let's see how badly they want it after that performance. Brooke East, 10 News.

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