UFC 325 payouts: How much are Alexander Volkanovski, Diego Lopes & others getting paid? Reported & estimated salaries
(Courtesy : UFC)
UFC returns to Australia!
The UFC kicks off its 2026 pay-per-view schedule in spectacular fashion as UFC 325 lands in Sydney, Australia, marking the promotion’s return to the city for the eighth time overall and the second straight year. Set inside the iconic Qudos Bank Arena, the event also ushers in a new chapter for fans with the official launch of the UFC’s Paramount+ era.
Headlining the night is a highly anticipated featherweight championship rematch between hometown hero Alexander Volkanovski and surging contender Diego Lopes. With unfinished business between them, their clash promises high-level technique, relentless pace, and massive stakes in front of a passionate Australian crowd.
Beyond the main event, UFC 325 delivers a stacked lineup featuring elite strikers, heavyweight firepower, and the tournament finals of Road to UFC Season 4. From top to bottom, this card is built to set the tone for the year ahead.
Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes estimated payout
From a financial standpoint, Alexander Volkanovski has remained one of the UFC’s most reliable earners at featherweight. During his championship run, the Australian star reportedly crossed the seven-figure mark multiple times, particularly when facing elite competition on major pay-per-view cards.
That earning power carried into UFC 314, where Volkanovski was believed to have pocketed close to $1 million for his vacant title clash against Diego Lopes. However, the UFC’s evolving broadcast and revenue structure could influence how fighters are compensated moving forward.
Speaking to ESPN MMA, Volkanovski revealed that the promotion presented him with a revised and more lucrative contract tied to the UFC’s $7.7 billion media rights agreement.
According to the former champion, the new deal puts him on track to once again surpass $1 million for his upcoming rematch against Lopes in Sydney.
While the UFC has not officially confirmed how bonuses will work under the new model, Volkanovski’s strong position suggests the headliner will still command premium pay.
On the other side, Diego Lopes has quietly built significant value. Reports suggest he earned roughly $700,000 for his first title appearance at UFC 314 in Miami.
Lopes has also proven capable of cashing in on bonuses, including a rare double bonus worth $100,000 at UFC Noche Fight Night. Based on recent trends, his UFC 325 payout is expected to fall between $500,000 and $700,000, with additional incentives possible if he delivers another show-stealing performance.
UFC 325 other main cards payouts
Beyond the marquee bouts, UFC 325 features a stacked main card loaded with recognizable names and strong earning potential under the promotion’s evolving payout structure.
The co-main event sees Dan Hooker continue his run as one of the UFC’s most dependable action fighters. Known for delivering fan-friendly wars, Hooker has historically commanded base purses in the $300,000 to $350,000 range against elite opposition. His most recent appearance reportedly pushed that number closer to $400,000, reinforcing his value to the promotion. Heading into his clash with Benoit Saint-Denis, projections suggest Hooker could earn between $400,000 and $500,000, depending on incentives.
Saint-Denis’ disclosed earnings have been more modest but steadily rising. The French standout is believed to average around $200,000 per fight, with recent performance bonuses significantly boosting his totals. Given his growing profile, matching or slightly exceeding that figure at UFC 325 appears likely.
Elsewhere on the main card, Rafael Fiziev returns after a strong showing earlier this year. While he previously earned in the $350,000–$400,000 range, a slight dip to around $300,000 would not be surprising against Mauricio Ruffy, who is expected to secure a solid six-figure payday despite coming off a setback.
In the heavyweight division, Tai Tuivasa looks to reset his momentum. Recent reports place his base earnings between $150,000 and $200,000, excluding bonuses, as he faces the relatively unknown Tallison Teixeira.
Opening the main card, Quillan Salkilld and Jamie Mullarkey are both positioned for career-best paydays, with six-figure earnings well within reach on fight night.
Other main card fighters’ payouts
| Fighter | Base Purse (USD) | Win Bonus (USD) | Promotional / PPV Bonus (USD) | Estimated Total Earnings (USD) |
| Alexander Volkanovski | $700,000 – $900,000 | $700,000 – $900,000 | $200,000 – $600,000 | $1.6M – $2.4M |
| Diego Lopes | $250,000 – $350,000 | $250,000 – $350,000 | $50,000 – $150,000 | $500,000 – $850,000 |
| Dan Hooker | $400,000 – $450,000 | $400,000 – $450,000 | $50,000 – $150,000 | $850,000 – $1.05M |
| Benoit Saint-Denis | $180,000 – $220,000 | $180,000 – $220,000 | $50,000 – $100,000 | $410,000 – $540,000 |
| Rafael Fiziev | $275,000 – $325,000 | $275,000 – $325,000 | $50,000 – $100,000 | $600,000 – $750,000 |
| Mauricio Ruffy | $125,000 – $175,000 | $125,000 – $175,000 | $25,000 – $75,000 | $275,000 – $425,000 |
| Tai Tuivasa | $150,000 – $200,000 | $0 – $200,000* | $25,000 – $75,000 | $175,000 – $450,000 |
| Tallison Teixeira | $60,000 – $90,000 | $60,000 – $90,000 | $0 – $25,000 | $120,000 – $180,000 |
| Quillan Salkilld | $80,000 – $100,000 | $80,000 – $100,000 | $25,000 – $50,000 | $185,000 – $250,000 |
| Jamie Mullarkey | $100,000 – $130,000 | $100,000 – $130,000 | $25,000 – $50,000 | $225,000 – $310,000 |
When and where is UFC 325 taking place?
UFC 325 will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia. It marks the UFC’s return to Sydney for a numbered event and opens the promotion’s 2026 pay-per-view schedule.
What time does UFC 325 start, and when is the main event?
The main card begins at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT, which is 2:00 a.m. GMT (Sunday). The featherweight title fight between Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes is expected to see cagewalks at approximately 11:25 p.m. ET / 4:25 a.m. GMT, though timings may vary.
Where can fans watch UFC 325 live?
UFC 325 will stream live on Paramount+ in the United States. Internationally, the event will be available via TNT Sports and UFC Fight Pass in the UK and Europe, Sony Sports Network/Sony LIV in India, and Main Event PPV, Kayo Sports, and UFC Fight Pass in Australia.
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