Australian fight fans have reason to celebrate as UFC featherweight champion Alex Volkanovski is officially returning to home soil for a massive title defence in Sydney this February.
Homecoming Fight For The Great
Wollongong's own Alex "The Great" Volkanovski will step into the octagon at Sydney Olympic Park on February 1, 2025, marking his first fight in Australia in two years. The superstar will defend his UFC featherweight championship in a highly anticipated rematch against Brazilian contender Diego Lopes.
This event, UFC 325, represents a significant homecoming for the 37-year-old champion, who hasn't fought in his home state of New South Wales since 2017. Volkanovski's last appearance before Australian fans was in Perth back in February 2023, where he challenged Islam Makhachev for the lightweight crown.
Redemption Story For Sydney Showdown
The upcoming bout continues the rivalry between Volkanovski and Lopes, who previously faced off in Miami during April 2025. In that encounter, Volkanovski reclaimed the vacant UFC featherweight title with a decisive unanimous decision victory.
Since their first meeting, Lopes has rebounded with a victory over Jean Silva in Texas during September, improving his professional record to 27-7. The 30-year-old Brazilian will undoubtedly be seeking revenge when they meet again in Sydney, with a sell-out crowd expected for the championship duel.
With retirement potentially on the horizon for Volkanovski, this could represent the final opportunity for local supporters to witness the champion compete live in Australia.
Major UFC Announcements For 2025
UFC president Dana White confirmed the Sydney event alongside other major fight announcements. The weekend prior to UFC 325, UFC 324 will take place in Las Vegas featuring an interim lightweight title bout between American Justin Gaethje and Britain's Paddy Pimblett.
This interim championship became necessary as current lightweight champion Ilia Topuria is stepping away from competition for personal reasons. White confirmed that Topuria will remain the undisputed champion, with the Gaethje-Pimblett winner scheduled to face him for the unified title later in 2026.
Additionally, the Las Vegas card will feature women's bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison defending her title against Brazilian legend Amanda Nunes, who is returning from retirement for her first fight since June 2023.
While there was earlier speculation that another Australian favourite, Robert Whittaker, might co-headline the Sydney event, the former middleweight champion has since ruled out that possibility.
This hometown title defence represents a monumental moment for Australian combat sports as one of the nation's most successful fighters returns to where it all began, potentially for his final Australian appearance.
