UFC 325 isn’t just another numbered event, it’s a pressure test. Of legacies. Of rising contenders. Of who’s built to endure five rounds when everything is on the line.
Set for Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia, UFC 325 delivers championship consequences at the top and unforgiving match-ups throughout the card. For fighters, this is where preparation meets reality. For fans, this is elite competition at its rawest.
At ONX Sports, we break down fights through a performance-first lens, analyzing styles, momentum, and what each match-up means long term. This isn’t surface-level hype. This is fight intelligence.
UFC 325 Fight Card Overview
Main Card Highlights
- Featherweight Championship Trilogy
- Lightweight contender eliminators
- Heavyweight knockout stakes
- The emergence (or halt) of next-generation prospect
Broadcast
- U.S.: Paramount+
- UK: TNT Sports
- Location: Sydney, Australia
This article focuses primarily on the five-fight main card, followed by a concise but informed look at the prelims and early prelims.
Key Highlights:
Featherweight Title Rematch: Champion vs. Top Contender
Volkanovski and Lopes meet again for the featherweight title in a rematch of their April 2025 fight, which Volkanovski won by unanimous decision. This one matters because it clarifies the division’s immediate direction: can Lopes solve the Volk puzzle the second time, or does the champ shut the door with a definitive title defense?
Lightweight Co-Main: Top-10 Clash
No. 6 ranked Dan Hooker faces No. 8 ranked Benoît Saint-Denis in a match-up that can instantly reshuffle the top of the lightweight picture. Saint-Denis enters with major momentum after knocking out Beneil Dariush 16 seconds into Round 1 in his most recent marquee win.
Heavyweight Clash: Ranked Match-up
Tai “Bam Bam” Tuivasa’s power meets the size and finishing threat of Tallison Teixeira in a heavyweight fight that’s built for chaos. UFC’s rankings list Tuivasa at No. 12 and Teixeira at No. 15 at heavyweight.
Main Event: Featherweight Title
Alexander Volkanovski (C) vs. Diego Lopes II
This isn’t just a title fight, it’s a statement bout.
Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes run it back in their second meeting. Volkanovski took the first fight at UFC 314 by unanimous decision. Now Lopes gets his shot at redemption, and the belt, on Australian soil.
Stylistic Breakdown
Volkanovski
- Elite fight IQ and championship pacing
- High-volume kickboxing with punishing leg attacks
- Proven five-round cardio and composure under fire
Lopes
- Dynamic finisher with knockout power and submission threats
- Dangerous in scrambles and transitional moments
- Explosive early, but less proven deep into championship rounds.
Volkanovski thrives on solving problems in real time. Lopes thrives on chaos. If Lopes finds an opening early, everything changes. If Volkanovski survives the storm, momentum turns sharply.
What’s at Stake
- Volkanovski: Cementing featherweight legacy with a home-soil title defense
- Lopes: Becoming UFC champion and reshaping the division narrative
Co-Main Event: Lightweight Collision
Dan Hooker vs. Benoît Saint-Denis
This is where eras collide. Dan Hooker, battle-tested and unbreakable, meets Benoît Saint-Denis, one of the most relentless pressure fighters in the division. One is fighting to extend relevance. The other is fighting to break through the ceiling.
Stylistic Breakdown
Hooker
- Long-range striker with devastating knees and volume
- Thrives in stand-up chaos
- Vulnerable when forced into extended grappling exchanges
Saint-Denis
- Elite grappling base with relentless forward pressure
- Evolving knockout power
- High finish rate, especially once fights hit the mat
Hooker needs space. Saint-Denis needs contact. Every exchange favors someone.
What’s at Stake
- Hooker: Staying inside the elite lightweight tier
- Saint-Denis: A Top-5 door cracking open
Lightweight Chess Match with Knockout Consequences
Rafael Fiziev vs. Maurício Ruffy
Pure violence meets surgical precision. Fiziev is one of the most technical strikers in the division. Ruffy is pure power, one mistake ends the night.
Stylistic Breakdown
Fiziev
- Elite Muay Thai background
- Speed, angles, and devastating body work
- Occasionally vulnerable during offensive bursts
Ruffy
- Extreme knockout percentage
- Longer reach and raw finishing instinct
- Less proven against elite-level strikers
What’s at Stake
- Lightweight Top-10 relevance
- Momentum in the UFC’s deepest division
Heavyweight Power Test
Tai Tuivasa vs. Tallison
Teixeira This one doesn’t need rounds. Tuivasa fights for survival and the crowd. Teixeira fights for arrival.
Stylistic Breakdown
Tuivasa
- One-punch knockout capability
- Thrives in close-range brawls
- Defensive lapses during extended exchanges
Teixeira
- Massive reach and athleticism
- 100% finish rate in victories
- Dangerous at range with straight-line attacks
What’s at Stake
- Teixeira: Breaking into the heavyweight elite
- Tuivasa: Keeping his UFC future alive
Lightweight Opener: Prospect vs. Proven
Quillan Salkilld vs. Jamie Mullarkey
Salkilld is momentum. Mullarkey is experience. Fresh off a Knockout of the Year performance, Salkilld looks to validate the hype. Mullarkey looks to shut it down.
What’s at Stake
- Salkilld: Legitimate contender trajectory
- Mullarkey: Proving he’s more than a gatekeeper
Preliminary Card Snapshot
The undercard is stacked with international prospects and regional standouts.
Expect:
- Breakout performances from Oceania talent
- Grappling-heavy middleweight battles
- Fast-paced flyweight and bantamweight scrambles
These are the fights where future contenders are forged.
Final Thoughts: Why UFC 325 Matters
UFC 325 is a convergence point.
- Legacies are reinforced or rewritten
- Contenders separate themselves from pretenders
- Prospects either rise or break Every fight carries consequences.
Every round demands discipline. This is the environment fighters train for and where preparation is exposed. Discipline. Sacrifice. Glory. Fight like a champion.
More In-Depth
Event Date & Location: UFC 325 takes place on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia, with a live Australian crowd expected to energize the arena. The main card will air on Paramount+ in the U.S. (with UK broadcast on TNT Sports). The card features 13 fights overall, including championship stakes at the top and a lineup of rising prospects and fan favorites throughout.
This breakdown will focus primarily on the five main card match-ups, highlighting stylistic analysis, predictions, and career implications (title contention, rankings impact) for each match-up. A concise overview of prelims and early prelims will follow the main card analysis.
We prioritize official UFC sources and reputable MMA outlets to ensure accuracy in fighter rankings and records. The most high-stakes match-ups are presented first, with emphasis on why they matter and context for each fighter’s career trajectory. The deeper you go into this report, the more detail and nuance you’ll find about each fight.
Fight Card Overview
Below is the official UFC 325 fight card, organized by Main Card, Prelims, and Early Prelims, with weight classes and current fighter rankings (if applicable):
| Card | Weight Class | Matchup |
|---|---|---|
| Main Card | Featherweight (Title Bout) | Alexander Volkanovski (C) vs. Diego Lopes |
| Main Card | Lightweight | Dan Hooker vs. Benoît Saint-Denis |
| Main Card | Lightweight | Rafael Fiziev vs. Maurício Ruffy |
| Main Card | Heavyweight | Tai Tuivasa vs. Tallison Teixeira |
| Main Card | Lightweight | Quillan Salkilld vs. Jamie Mullarkey |
| Preliminary Card | Light Heavyweight | Junior Tafa vs. Billy Elekana |
| Preliminary Card | Middleweight | Cameron Rowston vs. Cody Brundage |
| Preliminary Card | Middleweight | Jacob Malkoun vs. Torrez Finney |
| Preliminary Card | Welterweight | Jonathan Micallef vs. Oban Elliott |
| Early Prelims | Featherweight | Kaan Ofli vs. Yi Zha |
| Early Prelims | Lightweight | Kim Sang-wook vs. Dom Mar Fan |
| Early Prelims | Featherweight | Keiichiro Nakamura vs. Sebastian Szalay |
| Early Prelims | Bantamweight | Sulang Rangbo vs. Lawrence Lui |
| Early Prelims | Flyweight | Aaron Tau vs. Namsrai Batbayar |
Tallison Teixeira’s official UFC ranking is #15 at heavyweight as a newcomer (Teixeira is described as a “ranked newcomer”, likely entering around the lower end of the top 15).
This lineup is stacked with pivotal matchups. Let’s dive into the main card first, where championship gold and top-10 rankings are immediately at stake.
Main Card Breakdowns (Detailed)
Main Event: Alexander Volkanovski (C) vs. Diego Lopes – Featherweight Title Bout
- Story-line: This is a featherweight championship rematch. Volkanovski and Lopes previously fought at UFC 314, where Volkanovski won by unanimous decision to capture the (vacant) UFC featherweight title.
- Current Records & Rankings (UFC): Volkanovski is listed by UFC as 27–4–0, with 13 wins by KO and 3 by submission. Lopes is listed by UFC as 27–7–0, with 11 wins by KO and 12 by submission. On the UFC 325 event listing, Volkanovski is shown as the champion (“C”) vs #2 contender entering this match-up.
- Stylistic Analysis: Volkanovski: UFC lists him as a proven finisher (13 KO, 3 SUB) with extensive five-round, championship-level experience. He is typically at his best when he can build pace, layer feints, and make reads over time turning a fight into a problem-solving process.
- Lopes: UFC lists him as a high-output finisher across both domains (11 KO, 12 SUB), with a strong submission count that reflects threat in scrambles and transitional grappling. His style is often most dangerous when exchanges get messy where one opening can become a finish.
- Expect Volkanovski to look to establish sustained pressure and scoring layers over time, while Lopes’ clearest paths typically come from high-impact moments either striking bursts or submission opportunities during transitions based on his finishing profile on UFC’s stats.
- Career Stakes: The featherweight title is on the line, and the outcome immediately shapes the near-term contender picture at 145. The UFC event listing positions this as a championship bout with a ranked challenger, underscoring direct divisional impact.
Co-Main Event: Dan Hooker vs. Benoît Saint-Denis – Lightweight Bout
- Story-line: A ranked lightweight match-up between a long-tenured UFC contender (Hooker) and a surging finisher (Saint-Denis), placed in the co-main slot at UFC 325
- Current Records & Rankings (UFC): Hooker is listed by UFC as 24–13–0 with 11 wins by KO and 7 by submission. Saint-Denis is listed by UFC with a notable recent result: he knocked out Beneil Dariush at 0:16 of Round 1 at UFC 322. On the UFC 325 event listing, Hooker is shown as #6 and Saint-Denis as #8 at lightweight.
- Stylistic Analysis: Hooker: UFC’s stats profile reflects finishing ability both standing and on the mat (11 KO, 7 SUB). He’s generally most effective at range and in high-tempo striking phases where volume and timing matter.
- Saint-Denis: UFC’s reporting and athlete page highlight his early-finish threat, including the 16-second KO of Dariush. His game is typically built around pressure, forcing exchanges, and capitalizing once opponents are reacting.
- Given their profiles, the key tension is whether Hooker can keep the fight in his preferred striking lanes and rhythm, versus Saint-Denis’ ability to compress space, force contact, and create finishing sequences.
- Career Stakes: This is a ranked #6 vs #8 lightweight match-up on UFC’s official event listing meaning the winner stays positioned for higher-ranked opponents and bigger stakes in the division.
- Knockout Power UFC lists Maurício Ruffy as having 11 wins by knockout.
Rafael Fiziev vs. Maurício Ruffy – Lightweight Bout
- Storyline: A ranked lightweight matchup featuring Fiziev, an established striker in the UFC lightweight rankings, against Ruffy, a knockout-forward finisher per UFC’s stats breakdown. UFC lists this fight on the UFC 325 main card.
- Current Records & Rankings (UFC): Fiziev is listed by UFC as 13–4–0. Ruffy is listed by UFC as 12–2–0 with 11 wins by KO. On the UFC 325 event listing, this bout is shown as #14 Rafael Fiziev vs. Maurício Ruffy.
- Stylistic Analysis: Fiziev: UFC’s profile reflects a high KO rate (8 KO wins listed on his athlete page snippet), consistent with a striking-first identity. He tends to build offense through layered kickboxing and counters. Ruffy: UFC lists 11 KO wins and multiple first-round finishes, which matches a style built around early damage and clean, fight-ending connections.
Tai Tuivasa vs. Tallison Teixeira – Heavyweight Bout
- Storyline: A heavyweight match-up pairing Tuivasa an established UFC heavyweight known for knockout outcomes with Teixeira, a newer ranked heavyweight on the UFC 325 listing.
- Current Records & Rankings (UFC): Tuivasa is listed by UFC as 15–8–0 with 14 wins by knockout. Teixeira is listed by UFC as 8–1–0 with 7 wins by knockout and 1 by submission. The UFC 325 event listing shows Tuivasa as #15 at heavyweight.
- Stylistic Analysis: Tuivasa: UFC’s stats (14 KO wins) reflect a career built around stand-up finishing and high-variance exchanges. Teixeira: UFC’s stats (7 KO, 1 SUB) reflect finishing threats in multiple phases, with a heavy lean toward knockout results. Recent
- Career implications: With Tuivasa shown as #15 on UFC’s listing and Teixeira carrying a strong finishing profile, this match-up has clear consequences for the lower end of the heavyweight top-15 and who gets the next step up.
Quillan Salkilld vs. Jamie Mullarkey – Lightweight Bout
- Story-line: An all-Australian lightweight match-up on the UFC 325 main card, matching a rising UFC newcomer (Salkilld) against the more experienced UFC lightweight (Mullarkey).
- Current Records & Notability (UFC): Mullarkey is listed by UFC as 18–8–0 with 10 wins by KO and 3 by submission. For Salkilld, UFC’s athlete record list shows notable UFC results including: a KO/TKO win over Anshul Jubli at 0:19 of Round 1 (UFC 312), a unanimous decision win over Yanal Ashmouz (June 7, 2025), and a KO/TKO win over Nasrat Haqparast (Oct. 25, 2025).
- Stylistic Analysis: Salkilld: UFC’s documented results show early finishing ability (the Jubli KO at :19) and proven effectiveness across different fight shapes (including a three-round decision win). Mullarkey: UFC lists him as a durable action-fighter type with a strong KO count (10), and his athlete page reflects long UFC tenure at 155.
- Implications: On a UFC PPV main card, a win here tends to accelerate matchmaking either toward higher-profile opponents or toward a rankings-adjacent test—especially in a talent-dense division like lightweight.
Preliminary Card Overview (Brief)
While the spotlight shines brightest on the main card, UFC 325’s prelims and early prelims offer plenty of intrigue and talent for keen fans. We’ll cover these under-card fights briefly, highlighting key story-lines or fighters to watch.
The prelims feature a mix of international prospects and local talents, many making their UFC debuts or early appearances. Several bouts appear to be Australia/New Zealand vs. international match-ups, likely to engage the Sydney crowd. Here’s an overview:
Featured Prelim: Junior Tafa vs. Billy Elekana (Light Heavyweight)
Once a heavyweight, Junior “The Juggernaut” Tafa (New Zealand) is apparently moving down to Light Heavyweight (205 lbs) for this match-up with Billy Elekana. Tafa is known for his kickboxing background (brother of UFC HW Justin Tafa) and knockout power, though he’s had mixed success in UFC so far (6–4 record). Elekana (9–2) is an American Samoan fighter nicknamed “Son of Susie”, and he’s less known but has a decent record, presumably from the regional scene.
Story-line / What to Watch: Tafa dropping to 205 is interesting – could mean he’s leaner and faster, or drained. Light heavyweight power clash is expected as both men are strikers. Tafa at 6’3” and Elekana, also 6’3” match up physically. Elekana is a southpaw who might try to use movement; Tafa will likely seek a knockout to impress. With Tafa training alongside Mark Hunt’s team, fans traditionally anticipate a brawl. The Sydney crowd will likely rally for Tafa (neighbor from NZ). A win for either could be a stepping stone in a division hungry for new blood.
Other Prelim Fights:
- Cameron Rowston vs. Cody Brundage (Middleweight): Rowston is an Oceania regional talent making a UFC debut (or second fight) – likely a striker. Cody Brundage is a known UFC middleweight, an American grappler/striker who’s had a tough UFC run (few wins, few losses). Brundage’s experience advantage vs. Rowston’s newcomer status will be key. Given Rowston is favored by odds (-278), he must be highly regarded. Watch if Rowston can handle Brundage’s wrestling; if so, he might showcase why he’s favored, perhaps via KO given the odds spread.
- Jacob Malkoun vs. Torrez Finney (Middleweight): Malkoun (Australia) is Robert Whittaker’s training partner, known for his wrestling and grinding style. Finney is likely a DWCS or regional prospect with a wrestling base (a former college football player turned fighter). Malkoun usually tries to drag opponents into a slow-paced grapplefest. Finney may match the wrestling, making this potentially a clinch-heavy battle. Malkoun is favored (-185), indicating an edge in experience (he has UFC wins over the likes of Abdul Razak Alhassan). Keep an eye on whether Malkoun can impose his heavy top control; if not, Finney could surprise.
- Jonathan Micallef vs. Oban Elliott (Welterweight): A clash likely between two debuting fighters. Micallef could be from Malta (just guessing by name) or some local region, while Oban Elliott is a known Welsh prospect. Elliott earned a UFC shot through Cage Warriors, known for well-rounded skills and heart. Micallef’s profile is less clear, but he’s possibly Australian, given the placement. Expect a well-rounded fight; Elliott might have a slight edge if he can handle the moment. This is the early prelim headliner per bodylock (though listed under prelims in some sources).
Early Prelims Notables:
- Kaan Ofli vs. Yi Zha (Featherweight): This fight pits Kaan “Genghis” Ofli (possibly from the UK or Middle East; Sherdog lists him 12-4-1 with many submissions) against Yi Zha (China, record ~25-5, a finisher with subs). Both are experienced for newcomers, and this could be a sleeper grappler’s duel given their submission counts. It’s a true international matchup on neutral turf. Odds had Yi Zha slightly favored (-205), suggesting perhaps Zha’s experience (maybe from RUFF or Chinese circuits) is valued. This fight could produce a slick submission.
- Kim Sang-wook vs. Dom Mar Fan (Lightweight): Representing Asia, Kim Sang-wook (South Korea) vs Dom Mar Fan (Hong Kong or Chinese-British). It’s rare to see Hong Kong fighters, so Mar Fan is unique. Both likely strikers – Kim might have a Taekwondo or kickboxing base, Dom possibly Sanda or something similar. Expect a fast-paced stand-up battle. There isn’t much known at the UFC level, but they are undefeated or close to it regionally, which is why the matchup.
- Keiichiro Nakamura vs. Sebastian Szalay (Featherweight): Nakamura (Japan) vs. Szalay (likely Eastern Europe – maybe Poland or Hungary). Again, likely debutants. Nakamura could be a promising prospect from Shooto/Pancrase; Szalay perhaps, from European circuits. Hard to predict, but it demonstrates UFC’s effort to showcase global talent. Watch for contrasting styles – Japanese fighters are often well-rounded, Eastern European may be a grappler or kickboxer
- Sulang Rangbo vs. Lawrence Lui (Bantamweight): “Sulang Rangbo” appears to be Chinese or Tibetan origin, and Lawrence Lui sounds like represents some Chinese diaspora (maybe Hong Kong or Singapore). Low weight class bout; one might be a wushu/Sanda specialist (common from China) vs another a well-rounded fighter. They’re early in their UFC tenure, likely aiming to impress to secure a future fight.
- Aaron Tau vs. Namsrai Batbayar (Flyweight): Tau (New Zealand/Maori heritage likely) vs. Batbayar (Mongolia). This 125-lb opener features lesser-known but interesting national backgrounds. Flyweight fights are usually high-paced and technical. Tau might have local support. Batbayar might be the first Mongolian fighter in UFC, which is notable in itself. Expect scrambles and speed – even if unfamiliar, these lighter guys often deliver exciting grappling and striking exchanges to kick off the night.
Despite lesser name recognition, these preliminary fights collectively contribute to a talent pipeline into various divisions. Hardcore fans will watch for breakout performances – perhaps a future contender will emerge from these bouts, just as some main carders once started on prelims. As UFC’s first Sydney event in a while, many of these fighters likely feel extra motivation to deliver fireworks and earn new fans.
Conclusion
UFC 325 is a pivotal event with meaningful implications across multiple divisions. From the featherweight title rematch between Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes, to ranked lightweight matchups that could influence the division’s immediate contender landscape, to heavyweight and lightweight bouts where established names face ascending opposition, the card is stacked with relevance and consequence.
The main card showcases elite competition throughout: championship-level skill in Volkanovski vs. Lopes II, a high-impact ranked lightweight matchup in Dan Hooker vs. Benoît Saint-Denis, a technically rich striking contest in Rafael Fiziev vs. Maurício Ruffy, a heavyweight clash built on power and physicality in Tai Tuivasa vs. Tallison Teixeira, and a spotlight opportunity for a rising lightweight in Quillan Salkilld vs. Jamie Mullarkey. Each bout carries implications for rankings, matchmaking direction, and future opportunities within its division.
The preliminary card ensures that momentum carries throughout the entire event, featuring a mix of Australasian talent and international prospects competing for visibility on a major stage. These fights often serve as the entry point for the UFC’s next wave of contenders, where strong performances can accelerate careers and reshape future cards.
In sum, every matchup matters at UFC 325. The event offers both immediate intrigue and longer-term significance, functioning as a checkpoint for champions, contenders, and prospects alike. By the end of the night in Sydney, divisional hierarchies may become clearer, new names may emerge into broader conversations, and established fighters will either reaffirm their positions or face new challenges.
From the early prelims to the championship main event, UFC 325 is positioned to deliver a complete night of high-level mixed martial arts.
