UFC 325 Volkanovski vs Lopes 2: Preview, fight card, start time, where to watch & more
(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.
Here’s everything you need to know about UFC 325, including the full fight card, start times, and where to watch.
UFC 325 Volkanovski vs Lopes: Main card
- Alexander Volkanovski vs Diego Lopes – Featherweight title fight
- Dan Hooker vs Benoit Saint-Denis
- Rafael Fiziev vs Mauricio Ruffy
- Tai Tuivasa vs Tallison Teixeira
- Quillan Salkilld vs Jamie Mullarkey
UFC 325 Volkanovski vs Lopes: Preliminary card
- Junior Tafa vs Billy Elekana
- Cam Rowston vs Cody Brundage
- Jacob Malkoun vs Torrez Finney
- Jonathan Micallef vs Oban Elliot
- Kaan Ofli vs Yizha
- Sangwook Kim vs Dom Mar Fan
- Keiichiro Nakamura vs Sebastian Szalay
- Sulangrangbo vs Lawrence Lui
- Aaron Tau vs Namsrai Batbayar
Alexander Volkanovski vs Diego Lopes – Featherweight title fight
Less than a year after their first meeting for the vacant featherweight title, Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes run it back with gold on the line at UFC 325. This time, Volkanovski enters as the reigning champion, making the first defense of his second title reign against the man he defeated to reclaim the throne.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest featherweights in MMA history, the 37-year-old Volkanovski thrives on precision, preparation, and elite fight IQ. His game isn’t built on flash, but on flawless fundamentals and constant in-fight adjustments that have defined his championship success.
Lopes, meanwhile, has wasted little time reasserting himself as a top contender. A dangerous fast starter with finishing ability in every phase, the Brazilian arrives confident after a statement stoppage win last fall. With lessons learned from their first encounter, this rematch has major implications for the featherweight division in 2026.
Dan Hooker vs Benoit Saint-Denis
Dan Hooker and Benoît Saint Denis have all the ingredients to deliver one of the most thrilling fights of the year. A matchup that screams violence from the opening bell, this lightweight clash carries serious Fight of the Year potential.
Hooker has long been one of the UFC’s most reliable action fighters, producing unforgettable battles since his move to lightweight. Facing elite competition throughout his career, “The Hangman” thrives in high-paced wars and now makes a quick turnaround to compete close to home, eager to start 2026 with a statement win that keeps him firmly in the title conversation.
Saint Denis enters with massive momentum of his own. After rebounding strongly in 2025, the French standout surged back into the Top 10 with three straight stoppage victories, including a lightning-fast finish of Beneil Dariush. Aggressive, durable, and relentless, Saint Denis is chasing a Top 5 breakthrough, making this matchup must-watch from start to finish.
Date, Time and Venue
| Information | Details |
| Event Name | UFC 325: Volkanovski vs Lopes |
| Date | Saturday, January 31, 2026 |
| Location | Sydney, Australia |
| Venue | Qudos Bank Arena |
| Capacity | Approximately 20,000 |
| Prelims Start Time (US) | 7:00 PM ET / 4:00 PM PT |
| Main Card Start Time (US) | 9:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM PT |
| Prelims Start Time (UK) | 12:00 AM GMT (Sunday, Feb 1) |
| Main Card Start Time (UK) | 2:00 AM GMT (Sunday, Feb 1) |
| Prelims Start Time (India) | 5:30 AM IST (Sunday, Feb 1) |
| Main Card Start Time (India) | 7:30 AM IST (Sunday, Feb 1) |
| Prelims Start Time (Australia) | 11:00 AM AEDT (Sunday, Feb 1) |
| Main Card Start Time (Australia) | 1:00 PM AEDT (Sunday, Feb 1) |
| Main Event Ringwalks (Approx.) | 11:25 PM ET / 8:25 PM PT / 4:25 AM GMT / 3:25 PM AEDT (Sunday) |
| Where to Watch (United States) | Paramount+ |
| Where to Watch (UK & Europe) | TNT Sports / UFC Fight Pass |
| Where to Watch (India) | Sony Sports Network / Sony LIV / UFC Fight Pass |
| Where to Watch (Australia) | Main Event PPV / Kayo Sports / UFC Fight Pass |
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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