UFC 325: The Octagon Comes Home to Sydney
The UFC is heading back Down Under, and it’s doing so in a big way.
On Sunday, February 1, the Octagon lights up Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia, for UFC 325: Volkanovski vs Lopes 2, a stacked event headlined by a world title rematch and loaded with local favorites, rising contenders, and Asia-Pacific standouts.
For Australian fight fans, this is as big as it gets.
Main Event: Volkanovski Defends the Crown at Home
Australia’s own Alexander Volkanovski returns to familiar territory as he puts his UFC featherweight title on the line against No. 2-ranked contender Diego Lopes in a highly anticipated rematch.
Volkanovski reclaimed the belt in their first meeting and now looks to shut the door for good—this time in front of a roaring home crowd. Lopes, however, has done enough to earn another shot and arrives hungry, dangerous, and confident.
It’s champion versus challenger, pride versus momentum—and Sydney gets the front-row seat.
Co-Main Event: Hooker vs Saint Denis Promises Fireworks
The co-main event delivers a can’t-miss lightweight clash as Dan “The Hangman” Hooker takes on Benoit Saint Denis.
Hooker, a fan favorite and one of Australia’s toughest veterans, faces a relentless pressure fighter in Saint Denis, who continues to climb the lightweight rankings. Styles collide here—experience versus raw aggression—and don’t be surprised if this one steals the show.
Full Fight Card Highlights
Main Card
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Alexander Volkanovski (c) vs Diego Lopes – Featherweight Title
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Dan Hooker vs Benoit Saint Denis – Lightweight
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Rafael Fiziev vs Mauricio Ruffy – Lightweight
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Tai Tuivasa vs Tallison Teixeira – Heavyweight
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Jamie Mullarkey vs Quillan Salkilld – Lightweight
Prelims & Early Fights
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Junior Tafa vs Billy Elekana
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Jacob Malkoun vs Torrez Finney
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Cam Rowston vs Cody Brundage
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Jonathan Micallef vs Oban Elliott
Asia-Pacific Spotlight: Road To UFC Finals
One of the most exciting parts of UFC 325 is the inclusion of the Road To UFC Season 4 Finals, showcasing the next wave of Asian MMA talent.
A key bout to watch is the featherweight matchup between China’s Yizha, winner of RTU Season 3, and Melbourne’s Kaan Ofli, the TUF Season 32 champion. It’s a classic regional clash with UFC contracts and momentum on the line.
Several other RTU finalists will also compete earlier in the card, reinforcing the UFC’s continued push into the Asia-Pacific market.
Fight Day Schedule (Asia-Friendly Times)
UFC 325 is perfectly timed for Asian viewers:
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Road To UFC Finals: 6:00 AM (Hong Kong Time)
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Prelims: 8:00 AM (Hong Kong Time)
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Main Card: 10:00 AM (Hong Kong Time)
Philippine Time (PHT):
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RTU Finals – 7:00 AM
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Prelims – 9:00 AM
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Main Card – 11:00 AM
Australian fans will enjoy a rare daytime UFC event, while Asian audiences get prime morning-to-midday action.
Why UFC 325 Matters
This isn’t just another title defense.
UFC 325 represents the UFC’s continued investment in Australia and Asia, blending elite championship-level fights with the future stars of the sport. From Volkanovski carrying the flag at the top to young prospects fighting for their breakthrough, this card is about both legacy and the next generation.
Sydney is ready.
Volkanovski is ready.
And the rest of the world will be watching.
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