UFC 325: Volkanovski vs Lopes 2 - Start Time, Full Card & How to Watch
The UFC featherweight championship is set to be contested once again this weekend, as reigning titleholder Alexander Volkanovski prepares to defend his belt in a compelling rematch against the formidable Diego Lopes. This high-stakes encounter headlines UFC 325, which takes place at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia, marking a significant homecoming for the two-time champion.
A Champion's Homecoming and a Challenger's Redemption
Nine months have passed since Volkanovski secured a decision victory over Lopes in their initial five-round battle. Despite that outcome, the Brazilian challenger demonstrated his threat by scoring a knockdown against the champion, a moment that has fuelled speculation about this second meeting. At 37 years of age, Volkanovski faces questions about his longevity, while the 31-year-old Lopes seeks the precise combination to dethrone "Alexander The Great" on enemy territory.
While many anticipate another triumph for the dominant Australian, the first fight proved Lopes is a legitimate danger. This rematch promises to deliver intense drama as both athletes vie for supremacy in one of the UFC's most competitive divisions.
Explosive Co-Main Event: Hooker vs Saint-Denis
The co-main event features a guaranteed barnburner as fan favourite Dan Hooker clashes with the relentless Benoit Saint-Denis in a lightweight showdown. Known for his thrilling fighting style, New Zealand's Hooker aims to rebound with a statement victory over the in-form Frenchman. A win could potentially set up a grudge match with rival Paddy Pimblett, following a recent war of words between the two competitors.
Saint-Denis, equally renowned for bringing chaos to the octagon, ensures this bout will be an all-out brawl from the opening bell. This matchup is a strong contender for Fight of the Night honours.
Complete UFC 325 Event Schedule
When is UFC 325? The event is scheduled for Saturday, 31 January 2026, at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia. Broadcast times are as follows:
- Early Prelims: Begin at 10:00 PM GMT (2:00 PM PT / 4:00 PM CT / 5:00 PM ET on Saturday).
- Regular Prelims: Start at 12:00 AM GMT on Sunday (4:00 PM PT / 6:00 PM CT / 7:00 PM ET on Saturday).
- Main Card: Commences at 2:00 AM GMT on Sunday (6:00 PM PT / 8:00 PM CT / 9:00 PM ET on Saturday).
How to Watch UFC 325 Live
United Kingdom Viewers: The main card will be broadcast live on TNT Sports. Additional streaming options include Discovery+, EE TV, Virgin Media, Amazon Prime Video, and Sky Sports. The early and regular prelims will be available exclusively on UFC Fight Pass.
United States Audience: Paramount+ will provide coverage of the main card and regular prelims. UFC Fight Pass will stream the early prelim bouts.
Latest Betting Odds and Full Fight Card
Current betting odds favour the champion, with Volkanovski listed at 4/6 and Lopes at 6/5. The complete fight card for UFC 325 is detailed below, though matchups are subject to last-minute changes.
UFC 325 Main Card Lineup
- Alexander Volkanovski (C) vs. Diego Lopes 2 – Featherweight Title Bout
- Dan Hooker vs. Benoit Saint-Denis – Lightweight Bout
- Rafael Fiziev vs. Mauricio Ruffy – Lightweight Bout
- Tai Tuivasa vs. Tallison Teixeira – Heavyweight Bout
- Quillan Salkilld vs. Rongzhu – Lightweight Bout
Preliminary Card Fights
- Junior Tafa vs. Billy Elekana – Light-Heavyweight Bout
- Cam Rowston vs. Cody Brundage – Middleweight Bout
- Jacob Malkoun vs. Torrez Finney – Middleweight Bout
- Jonathan Micallef vs. Oban Elliott – Welterweight Bout
Early Preliminary Card Matchups
- Kaan Ofli vs. Yizha – Featherweight Bout
- Sangwook Kim vs. Dom Mar Fan – Lightweight Bout
- Keiichiro Nakamura vs. Sebastian Szalay – Featherweight Bout
- Sulangrangbo vs. Lawrence Lui – Bantamweight Bout
- Aaron Tau vs. Namsrai Batbayar – Flyweight Bout
This stacked card promises a night of unforgettable mixed martial arts action, culminating in a championship rematch filled with narrative intrigue and high-level skill.
