UFC 325 takeaways: Volkanovski-Lopes 2 didn’t land, but lightweight fights did

The second UFC numbered event of the year took place on Saturday in Sydney, showcasing a series of early submissions and dominant displays. The main event featured a rematch of last April’s featherweight title bout between Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes. Following another stellar showing from the Aussie champion, it’s evident that we likely didn’t need a second clash between Volk and Lopes.

In the fights leading up to the main event, the lightweights delivered impressive performances. While the next challenger to Ilia Topuria’s title is yet to emerge, UFC fans can anticipate a series of high-caliber bouts from the new generation of lightweights in the near future.

Sometimes the critics are correct. This rematch wasn’t necessary.

The UFC often gets its matchmaking right, but this instance was a misstep. There was no compelling reason to set up this rematch just 10 months after their initial matchup.

Complicating matters is Volkanovski’s age—37. His window for championship fights is diminishing. though he didn’t seek the rematch, he would never refuse a fight. But what sense does it make for Volkanovski to face the same opponent twice in just over 10 months, especially after the initial bout was, frankly, not competitive? If Volkanovski were 32, it might not have been as regrettable, but at his current age, it feels as though valuable moments in his illustrious career are being squandered.

This critique is not aimed at Lopes. He showcased commendable effort in both bouts and earned his place by knocking out a formidable Jean Silva in September. It’s Lopes’s performance that receives no blame; rather, the UFC deserves scrutiny for this decision. Choosing Movsar Evloev or Lerone Murphy would have been a much more suitable option. Volkanovski should have faced someone else on Saturday. — Brett Okamoto

Clinical Saint Denis inches closer to a lightweight title shot—but it won’t be next

The lightweight division remains competitive, and Benoît Saint Denis solidified his place in the title discussion with an impressive victory over the tough Dan Hooker. This marked the Frenchman’s fourth consecutive win in the UFC, and his strong performance deserves a leap in the rankings by at least a couple of positions.

Saint Denis (17-3) leveraged his grappling ability to wear Hooker down in close battles, achieving two takedowns along the way. though a submission finish was out of reach, the final flurry of elbows and punches earned him a TKO victory with just 15 seconds remaining in Round 2.

In the Octagon after his victory, Saint Denis expressed his desire for a shot at the interim title recently secured by Justin Gaethje at UFC 324 or a chance at the BMF title, which will be contested by Charles Oliveira and reigning champion Max Holloway at UFC 326 in March. He may require one more win against a true lightweight contender to convince the UFC that he’s ready for a title fight. Nevertheless, with his fourth straight win, he is definitely knocking at the lightweight door. — Sam Bruce

The lightweight division is in good hands

The 155-pound division has historically been one of the deepest in MMA and will always be in a solid position. yet, there have been some concerns in recent years. The newcomers like Saint Denis, Rafael Fiziev, Jalin Turner, and recently Paddy Pimblett faced challenges against the established stars of the lightweight era, including Dustin Poirier and Gaethje. This new generation is still finding its footing, yet bouts like Fiziev vs. Mauricio Ruffy highlight the incredible talent emerging in this division.

There’s more development to come. Yet with Poirier’s retirement and Gaethje and Oliveira not far behind, there’s a potential gap at lightweight; however, this isn’t alarming. Expect to witness epic encounters between emerging fighters like Arman Tsarukyan (29), Ruffy (29), Saint Denis (30), alongside Pimblett (31), Quillan Salkilld (26), and Manuel Torres (30). While we will miss the big names in the lightweight arena, this new breed promises to be just as entertaining. — Okamoto