The UFC is back in Australia this Sunday with UFC 325, headlined by our own Alexander Volkanovski defending the featherweight title against Diego Lopes.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The main event sees Volkanovski attempt to defend his featherweight strap in his own backyard against Diego Lopes. The matchmaking has left fans baffled, considering Volk is coming off a convincing victory against Lopes.<\/p>\n
With plenty of UFC experience between the pair, we understand what both bring to the table. Volkanovski has established himself as one of the best fighters ever, boasting elite striking and an overall well-rounded skill set. Lopes is always going to be a tough out for most, virtually unfinishable and always live to end a fight with his explosive power and slick BJJ skills.<\/p>\n
This fight is priced similarly to their first meeting despite Volk winning convincingly. Volk\u2019s age and durability seem to be the major concerns, as the bookies are hesitant to make him an even bigger favourite this time around. Volk can certainly implement a similar game plan, but that would require him to survive another five rounds against one of the division\u2019s most dangerous finishers.<\/p>\n
It pains me to say this, but I think we see Lopes adjust his tactics slightly and come out more aggressive early. Last time out, he knocked Volk down in round three. This weekend, I think he finishes the job. Father time waits for no one.<\/p>\n
Lopes, Lopes KO Rnd 1, 2 or 3\u00a0<\/b><\/a><\/b><\/p>\n The great game of MMA means everyone has a puncher\u2019s chance. Maybe I\u2019m too low on Hooker, but I think Benoit Saint Denis makes this look easy.<\/p>\n There\u2019s no quit in Dan, but at 35 I feel the countless wars he\u2019s been in have taken a toll. He\u2019s looked noticeably slower and most recently had his grappling exposed against Arman, where he simply couldn\u2019t hold up. Benoit, on the other hand, is entering his prime and will look to lean heavily into his strengths in this matchup.<\/p>\n Benoit should be able to ragdoll Hooker, making submission the obvious play. That said, you don\u2019t earn the \u201cGod of War\u201d nickname for nothing. I wouldn\u2019t be surprised to see a KO either, whether through ground-and-pound or by weaponising pace, pressure and speed on the feet.<\/p>\nDan Hooker vs Benoit Saint Denis<\/b><\/h3>\n