Physical Notes
Diego Lopes was visibly the taller fighter in the rematch, but the height advantage did not translate into consistent control. Volkanovski managed distance exceptionally well, neutralizing reach through footwork, timing, and angle changes.
Round 1
The opening round was largely a feeling out process. Both fighters stayed guarded, trading light punches and occasional kicks. Volkanovski tested takedown entries multiple times, particularly targeting Lopes’ legs, but Lopes defended well and disengaged before being fully grounded.
No real momentum was established, but Volkanovski’s movement and jab were already setting the tone.
Round 2
The pace increased. Lopes began applying forward pressure, mixing leg kicks with punches, while Volkanovski continued circling and planting his feet behind a sharp jab. Lopes had moments with leg kicks and isolated right hands, but Volkanovski consistently beat him to the target.
When exchanges happened in the pocket, Volkanovski surprisingly had the edge, landing looping hooks and overhands while maintaining balance.
Middle Rounds
Volkanovski expanded the game. He mixed striking with wrestling threats, forcing Lopes to think defensively at all times. Lopes appeared more focused on finding a single fight changing shot rather than building combinations.
There were flashes from Lopes, including strong leg kicks and brief grappling success, but they came sporadically. Volkanovski was steadily winning minutes, controlling space, and outworking him round by round.
Championship Rounds
This is where Volkanovski separated himself.
His jab became dominant, and his right hand followed with precision. Lopes showed toughness, absorbing heavy shots and continuing forward, even smiling and gesturing at moments. The grappling exchanges were high level. Lopes threatened with back takes, kimura chains, arm bars, and a late leg lock attempt.
Volkanovski stayed composed through all of it. He calmly defended submissions, broke grips, and returned fire with elbows and ground strikes when it mattered most.
Result
Alexander Volkanovski defeated Diego Lopes via unanimous decision
Scores: 50 to 45, 49 to 46, 49 to 46
Dojo Takeaways
Volkanovski delivered a technical masterclass. His movement, jab, and fight IQ neutralized Lopes’ size, pressure, and submission threats. Lopes showed durability, heart, and elite grappling, but struggled to land clean shots consistently or dictate the pace.
The height difference existed. The skill gap on the night showed up in timing, volume, and control.
This was not a failure from Lopes. It was a reminder of how difficult it is to outthink a fully locked in Alexander Volkanovski over five rounds.
