Some UFC fighters and fans are unhappy with the decision to grant Diego Lopes a rematch against Alexander Volkanovski for the featherweight title, arguing it undermines merit-based opportunities.
Some fighters are clearly frustrated with the recent trend of title fights in the UFC. The buzz started on Thanksgiving when the UFC CEO announced several upcoming bouts.
Among them, the most talked-about is Alexander Volkanovski’s rematch against Diego Lopes at UFC 325. Fans are puzzled, as Volkanovski recently beat Lopes to claim the vacant featherweight title.
Contenders like Lerone Murphy, Movsar Evloev, and Aljamain Sterling seemed closer to a title shot. Sterling, in particular, is baffled by the decision.
“He’s getting the next shot. Again!” Lopes exclaimed on his YouTube channel. He finds it odd that a rematch is happening after his recent loss to Volkanovski.
Lopes did manage to clip Volkanovski in their first fight, but it was mostly a one-sided affair. Sterling argues that if it had been a close match, a rematch might make sense.
Sterling acknowledges Lopes’ big win over a popular fighter, Jean Silva. Yet, he questions how this leapfrogs other deserving contenders.
Volkanovski’s team also didn’t expect this rematch. They had hoped for different opponents, but the UFC had other plans.
Sterling believes the UFC is trying to promote a champion who can represent Mexico and Brazil. He questions the criteria for title shots.
He reminisces about the days when merit mattered in the UFC. Now, it seems popularity plays a bigger role in getting title fights.
The business model makes sense, but for athletes like Sterling, it’s frustrating. The promise was that the best would fight the best.
Many fans share Sterling’s sentiments. There’s been significant backlash from the MMA community regarding this rematch.
Sterling uses Dana White’s own words to highlight the inconsistency. He likens it to letting popular NBA teams always reach the finals.
In the end, Sterling feels the sport is veering towards boxing’s model. He wants clarity on what fighters need to do to earn their shot.