Diego Lopes is unbothered by the outcry of fans and fellow contenders after being awarded a second chance against featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 325.

Lopes (27-7 MMA, 6-2 UFC) has been the center of controversy after UFC CEO Dana White announced Thursday that a rematch with Volkanovski (27-4 MMA, 14-3 UFC) would serve as the Jan. 31 headliner at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney (Paramount+).

The sentiment around Lopes getting the fight has largely been negative. Fans have vented frustration, former champion Aljamain Sterling issued a fiery rant, Lerone Murphy was heartbroken and Movsar Evloev was unsurprised. Still, this is the fight that's happening, and Lopes made it clear on Friday that he isn't letting any negative get him down (via X):

Since losing a unanimous decision to Volkanovski in a vacant title bout at UFC 314 in April, Lopes has rebounded with a thrilling TKO finish of Jean Silva at Noche UFC in September.

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Diego Lopes responds to critics of UFC 325 title shot: 'Stop whining'

Reporting by Mike Bohn, MMA Junkie / MMA Junkie

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