Din Thomas understands Dana White and the UFC’s decision.
MMA’s leading promotion has caused quite the stir with the confirmation of which major bouts will kick off the UFC calendar for 2026.
Every week after Paddy Pimblett fights Justin Gaethje at UFC 324 with the interim lightweight title on the road, one other controversial matchup that has been widely criticized will headline in Sydney, Australia.
Alexander Volkanovski’s rematch with Diego Lopes for the featherweight belt was announced by White because the UFC 325 primary event on January 31, much to the frustration of undefeated contender Lerone Murphy and a bunch of fans.
But while many have been left furious on the UFC’s decision, one among the organization’s ex-fighters and current analysts has offered a defense of it…
- LATEST NEWS: Dana White ruined top contender’s plan to interrupt Khamzat Chimaev record by booking his UFC 324 return
Alexander Volkanovski made it clear who he desired to fight after UFC 319, and it was not Diego Lopes…
Din Thomas believes Paramount understandably wanted Alexander Volkanovski vs Diego Lopes rematch
Murphy’s UFC 319 knockout against Aaron Pico prolonged his winning streak to nine and appeared to cement him as next in line for a title shot. Volkanovski even called the fight a “no-brainer” for the UFC to make.
Like loads of fans, Din Thomas is amongst those that think the Englishman was most deserving. But while that might be enough for a lot of to grant the chance, the previous fighter said merit isn’t an important factor.
“My best defense as to why this is going on…the transition of what Paramount wants for the UFC,” Thomas said on The Bohnfire podcast. “That’s entertainment first.
“(Lopes) screams entertainment. I do know who I believe deserves a shot on the title: Lerone Murphy. He’s done every little thing the UFC’s asked of him, but he doesn’t scream entertainment.
“Diego Lopes does,” he continued. “You’ve gotta go together with the guy who’s gonna sell.
“It’s necessary for Paramount to get off to a very good start in the event that they’re gonna drive subscriptions and get more people to observe.
“It’s truthfully higher for the game itself to have this fight versus the meritocracy of getting Lerone Murphy.”
- LATEST NEWS: UFC accused of ‘turning into WWE’ as fans threaten boycott after Dana White’s fight announcements
Diego Lopes laughs at people ‘crying’ about his UFC 325 title shot
Despite Lopes admitting Murphy deserved the shot a number of months ago, the Mexican doesn’t appear to have any sympathy for the undefeated contender.
He seemingly sent a message to each ‘The Miracle’ and his unhappy supporters on social media following White’s announcement.
“My face once I saw everyone crying (laughing emojis),” Lopes wrote on X.
“Sitting around, he won’t offer you a title fight. Get to work and stop whining on social media,” he added.
Watch Diego Lopes drop Alexander Volkanovski of their first fight ahead of the UFC 325 rematch 💥
Against the desires of most, Lopes may have his second probability to capture UFC gold. While he didn’t come particularly close the primary time around at UFC 314, the Mexican was in a position to drop Volkanovski at the tip of round two.
He’ll look to go a step further by ending the job of their rematch, a result that might see him follow within the footsteps of Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria.