TLDR
- UFC 325 press conference criticized for superficial questions and lack of hard-hitting journalism
- Viewership for UFC press events has declined compared to previous years
- Fans point to strained relationships with reporters like Ariel Helwani as part of the problem
- The Volkanovski vs. Lopes rematch faced backlash despite the fight’s quality performance
- Technical problems with Paramount+ streaming and judging controversies compounded fan complaints
Sources: EssentiallySports | EssentiallySports | EssentiallySports
Dana White’s media strategy came under heavy fire following the UFC 325 press conference in Sydney, Australia. Fans flooded social media with complaints about the quality of questions asked during the event.
The press conference featured what many viewers described as superficial questioning that failed to address key issues about matchmaking and fighter treatment. Critics say this represents a growing pattern in how the UFC handles media access.
Viewership Numbers Show Decline
Press conference viewership for UFC 325 dropped compared to past events, according to fan tracking. The decreased interest comes as fans express frustration with the lack of challenging journalism at UFC media events.
Many fans pointed to the UFC’s history with reporters like Ariel Helwani, who was previously banned from events. The strained relationships between White and certain journalists have led to fewer hard-hitting questions at official press conferences.
Diego Lopes says he fractured both feet during his UFC 325 fight with Alex Volkanovski ๐คฏ
He still walked out smiling: โSome nights youโre at the afterparty, some nights youโre at the ER. But every morning I give thanks for the opportunity to live this life with my best friendsโโฆ pic.twitter.com/dPRgtAmDW5
— ๐๐๐๐๐๐พ๐๐๐ (@thefightcore) February 1, 2026
The UFC 325 event itself centered on Alexander Volkanovski’s featherweight title defense against Diego Lopes. Volkanovski won by unanimous decision in Sydney to retain his championship belt.
The rematch drew criticism before the fight even happened. Volkanovski had already beaten Lopes less than a year earlier in Miami, and undefeated contenders Lerone Murphy and Movsar Evloev were waiting for title shots.
Fans questioned why the UFC scheduled what appeared to be an unnecessary rematch. The decision to bypass fresh contenders added to complaints about the promotion’s matchmaking approach.
Despite the pre-fight backlash, Volkanovski delivered a dominant performance. The 37-year-old champion switched stances, landed powerful punches, and controlled the action throughout the five-round fight.
Multiple Issues Plague UFC 325
The press conference problems were not the only source of fan anger surrounding UFC 325. Viewers also reported technical difficulties with the Paramount+ streaming service during the event.
Streaming issues prevented some paying customers from watching the fights properly. The technical problems added another layer of frustration to an already controversial card.
Fans also complained about judging decisions on other fights during the UFC 325 card. Some viewers described certain scorecards as “robberies” that unfairly decided fight outcomes.
The combination of press conference quality, streaming problems, and judging controversies created what fans called a nightmare scenario for White. Social media posts criticized multiple aspects of how the UFC handled the Sydney event.
Commentators Daniel Cormier and Michael Bisping praised Volkanovski’s performance during the broadcast. Cormier said “boxing Volk is almost like chasing your own tail” while describing the champion’s skill.
Volkanovski has now beaten Max Holloway three times and holds wins over Jose Aldo, Brian Ortega, and Yair Rodriguez. His resume at age 37 continues to fuel debates about his place among MMA’s greatest fighters.
In his post-fight interview, Volkanovski said he remains open to fighting Murphy, Evloev, or any other challenger the UFC chooses. The champion expressed willingness to take on whatever matchup comes next in his career.
