UFC 325 takes place at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney on Sunday the 1st of February. With a featherweight title rematch topping the bill as Alexander Volkanovski defends his championship against Diego Lopes. We take a closer look at the Main Event as well as two additional fights on the Main Card from a betting perspective below.
Click here to bet on the full fight card.
ALEXANDER VOLKANOVSKI vs DIEGO LOPES
Featherweight Main Event – Title Fight:
Alexander Volkanovski enters this championship rematch with a professional record of 14 wins and 3 losses under the institution. Widely regarded as one of the greatest featherweights of all time, the Australian champion has built his success on elite conditioning, sharp striking and exceptional fight IQ.
Volkanovski last defended his title successfully against Diego Lopes in April 2025, earning a unanimous decision victory over five rounds. That win came after knockout losses to Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev, but he has repeatedly proven his ability to bounce back at the highest level. Across his career, he has recorded notable wins over Max Holloway (three times), Brian Ortega, Yair Rodriguez and Chan Sung Jung.
Diego Lopes challenges for the title once again holding a record of 6 wins and 2 defeats in the UFC. The Brazilian has surged through the featherweight ranks with an aggressive style, blending dangerous grappling with improving striking output.
Lopes comes into this contest following a 2nd Round knockout victory over Jean Silva in September 2025, rebounding from his decision loss to Volkanovski earlier in the year. Prior to that setback, he picked up decision wins over Brian Ortega and Dan Ige, continuing to establish himself as a legitimate title contender.
BETTING – click here to bet
Volkanovski 1.71
Lopes 2.20
PREDICTION:
Lopes remains a threat with his submission game and pressure, but Volkanovski’s experience and ability to control the tempo should once again be key. I am expecting the champion to manage the fight effectively and retain his title via decision.
DAN HOOKER vs BENOIT SAINT DENIS
Lightweight – Co-Main Event:
Dan Hooker steps into this lightweight clash with experience dating back to 2014 and in this period, he has fought 23 times of which has won 14 and lost 9. Known for his durability and willingness to engage in high-paced contests, the New Zealander continues to test himself against elite competition in the division.
Hooker enters this bout off a 2nd Round submission defeat to Arman Tsarukyan in November 2025. Before that loss he had earned back-to-back split decision victories over Mateusz Gamrot and Jalin Turner, showing his ability to edge close fights and the grit he possesses.
Benoit Saint Denis brings an aggressive approach into this matchup, holding a tally of 8 wins and 3 losses. The French contender has gained attention for his relentless pressure, grappling strength and high finishing rate and all eight of his wins have been by stoppage.
Saint Denis arrives in Sydney on the back of a blistering 16-second knockout win over Beneil Dariush in November 2025, following a submission victory over Mauricio Ruffy earlier in the year. His recent performances have repositioned him as a rising force at lightweight and he will look to extend his winning run to four this weekend.
BETTING – click here to bet
Hooker 3.75
Saint Denis 1.29
PREDICTION:
Hooker’s toughness could help him survive the early exchanges, but Saint Denis’ intensity and finishing ability should give him the advantage. I believe Saint Denis overwhelms Hooker and secures a stoppage inside the distance by submission.
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RAFAEL FIZIEV vs MAURICIO RUFFY
Lightweight – Main Card Bout:
Rafael Fiziev enters this lightweight contest with a 7 wins and 4 losses behind him. Renowned for his elite kickboxing and accuracy, Fiziev remains one of the most technically gifted strikers in the division.Fiziev last competed in June 2025, where he claimed a unanimous decision victory over Ignacio Bahamondes after suffering a decision defeat to Justin Gaethje earlier in the year.
Mauricio Ruffy steps into this matchup possessing a record of 3 wins and 1 defeat within the organisation. The Brazilian has shown flashes of knockout power and composure, particularly in the opening rounds of his fights.
Ruffy started his career strong winning his first three fights in a row before being stopped by Benoit Saint Denis in the 2nd Round by Submission when they met in September last year.
BETTING – click here to bet
Fiziev 2.00
Ruffy 1.83
PREDICTION:
Fiziev’s power makes him a threat early, but Ruffy’s technical striking and movement should allow him to control the exchanges. I am expecting Ruffy to dictate the pace and earn a decision victory.
SUGGESTED BETS:
Volkanovski vs Lopes
Volkanovski by decision at 2.75
Hooker vs Saint Denis
Saint Denis by submission at 2.60
Fiziev vs Ruffy
Ruffy by decision at 3.25
A 23.24 Treble
The treble of all 3 bets to land works out to 23.24 and the win treble is 4.08
Note: All prices are correct at the time of writing but subject to change.
