UFC 325: Volkanovski vs. Lopes 2 – Full Card, Start Time & How to Watch Guide

UFC 325: Volkanovski vs. Lopes 2 is set to be one of the biggest MMA events of early 2026. The UFC returns to Australia with a massive numbered card, headlined by the country’s greatest MMA star defending his title on home soil. The event takes place on Saturday, January 31, 2026 (Sunday, February 1 locally in Australia) at the iconic Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney.

This show continues the UFC’s new broadcasting era that began at UFC 324. Fans in supported regions can watch numbered UFC events streaming live on Paramount+ with no pay-per-view fee required. For Australian fans, this card carries extra meaning—it’s a blockbuster homecoming featuring a championship fight led by a hometown hero.

The main event is a UFC Featherweight Championship rematch between reigning champion Alexander Volkanovski and dangerous challenger Diego Lopes. Their first meeting at UFC 314 ended with Volkanovski winning by unanimous decision, but Lopes has since rebuilt momentum with a highlight-reel TKO over Jean Silva and earned his shot at revenge.

Event at a Glance

Here’s a quick snapshot of everything you need to know about UFC 325:

• Event: UFC 325: Volkanovski vs. Lopes 2

• Date: Saturday, January 31, 2026

• Venue: Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney, Australia

• Main Event: Alexander Volkanovski (c) vs. Diego Lopes

• Co-Main Event: Dan Hooker vs. Benoît Saint Denis

• Broadcast: Paramount+ (no PPV required in select regions)

• Why It Matters: Volkanovski’s first title defense in Australia on home soil, a stacked international card, and Road to UFC finals

Tickets are available through Ticketek, the official Australian ticket partner. Premium hospitality and VIP experiences are offered via On Location.

What Time Does UFC 325 Start? (Global Guide)

UFC 325 follows the standard Paramount+ timing: early prelims at 5:00 PM ET (2:00 PM PT), prelims at 7:00 PM ET (4:00 PM PT), main card at 9:00 PM ET (6:00 PM PT) (times approximate; adjust for local broadcasts).

Note: Paramount+ covers U.S., Latin America, and Australia; check local providers elsewhere (e.g., TNT Sports in UK, Kayo in Australia for some viewers).

Main Event Preview: Alexander Volkanovski (c) vs. Diego Lopes

UFC Featherweight Championship

This is the kind of title rematch fans love—experience versus danger, control versus chaos.

Alexander Volkanovski (27–4) enters UFC 325 as the reigning featherweight king. After reclaiming the vacant title at UFC 314 with a clear unanimous decision win over Lopes, Volkanovski now gets the moment he’s waited his entire career for: a championship defense in front of his home crowd in Sydney.

At 37, Volkanovski isn’t chasing hype—he’s cementing legacy. His game is built on elite fundamentals: sharp boxing, constant pressure, smart clinch work, and underrated wrestling defense. Fighting in Sydney adds emotion, but Volkanovski historically thrives when the stakes are highest. This could be one of the most meaningful nights of his career.

Across the cage stands Diego Lopes (27–7), one of the most dangerous finishers in the division. While Lopes lost the first fight on the scorecards, he earned respect with his aggression. Since then, he’s answered every question—most recently with a brutal highlight-reel TKO over Jean Silva that reminded everyone why he’s a real threat.

Lopes brings explosive power, creative striking, and a killer instinct that can end fights quickly. If he can force scrambles, create chaos, and avoid falling into Volkanovski’s rhythm, the upset is very real.

Expect a fast-paced chess match: Volkanovski’s technical mastery and experience versus Lopes’ raw power and finishing urgency. If this one goes deep, it favors the champion. If it gets wild early, Lopes has his opening.

Co-Main Event Preview: Dan Hooker vs. Benoît Saint Denis

Lightweight Bout

The co-main event has all the ingredients for a fight-of-the-night contender.

Dan Hooker, the New Zealand fan favorite, returns looking to bounce back in a big way. Known for his toughness, volume striking, and willingness to trade, Hooker feeds off hostile environments—and Sydney will feel like home territory for him.

Standing opposite is Benoît Saint Denis, one of the most intense fighters in the lightweight division. The French standout brings relentless pressure, knockout power, and dangerous submission skills. He doesn’t take backward steps, and once he finds momentum, he’s hard to stop.

This matchup feels simple on paper but explosive in reality: Hooker’s striking and experience versus Saint Denis’ aggression and finishing instincts. Don’t blink—this one could end suddenly.

Featured Fights to Watch at UFC 325

Beyond the top two bouts, UFC 325 is stacked with action from start to finish.

• Rafael Fiziev vs. Mauricio Ruffy – A pure striking showcase with serious speed and power.
• Tai Tuivasa vs. Tallison Teixeira – Heavyweight chaos guaranteed, with the Sydney crowd firmly behind Tuivasa.
• Quillan Salkilld vs. Jamie Mullarkey – Rising Australian talent clashes with a dangerous veteran.
• Road to UFC Season 4 Finals – Rising talent from Asia and beyond fighting for UFC contracts on a massive stage.

UFC 325 Full Fight Card

Main Card (9:00 PM ET / Paramount+)

• Alexander Volkanovski (c) vs. Diego Lopes – UFC Featherweight Championship
• Dan Hooker vs. Benoît Saint Denis – Lightweight
• Rafael Fiziev vs. Mauricio Ruffy – Lightweight
• Tai Tuivasa vs. Tallison Teixeira – Heavyweight
• Quillan Salkilld vs. Jamie Mullarkey – Lightweight

Prelims (7:00 PM ET / Paramount+)

• Junior Tafa vs. Billy Elekana – Light Heavyweight
• Cam Rowston vs. Cody Brundage – Middleweight
• Jacob Malkoun vs. Torrez Finney – Middleweight
• Jonathan Micallef vs. Oban Elliott – Welterweight

Early Prelims (5:00 PM ET / Paramount+)

• Kaan Ofli vs. Yizha – Featherweight
• Sangwook Kim vs. Dom Mar Fan – Lightweight
• Road to UFC Season 4 Finals – Various divisions (flyweight / bantamweight bouts; note: one flyweight final was canceled after Aaron Tau missed weight by 4 lbs)

UFC 325 Tickets: How to Buy for Volkanovski vs. Lopes 2 in Sydney

(January 31, 2026)

If you want to experience UFC 325 live in Sydney, tickets are officially available through Ticketek, the UFC’s authorized ticketing partner in Australia. Public ticket sales opened in December 2025, with early access given to UFC Fight Club members before the general release.

For fans looking for a premium experience, VIP packages are offered by On Location via UFCVIP.com. These packages usually include better seating, hospitality lounges, and exclusive meet-and-greet opportunities—perfect if you’re traveling or want a once-in-a-lifetime fight night experience.

In terms of pricing, standard tickets typically start around AUD $200–$400 for upper-level seating, while lower-bowl and floor seats are priced significantly higher depending on location. As always, it’s best to buy only from official sources to avoid inflated resale prices and last-minute issues.

Quick venue tips: Qudos Bank Arena has strict entry rules. Large bags are not allowed, security checks are thorough, and arriving early is strongly recommended—especially for a Volkanovski title fight in Sydney, where the atmosphere will be electric well before the first bout.

How to Watch UFC 325: Volkanovski vs. Lopes 2

Can’t make it to Sydney? No problem. UFC 325 streams live on Paramount+, with no pay-per-view fee required in supported regions.

Both the Essential and Premium plans include full access to the event.

• United States: Paramount+
• Australia: Paramount+
• Latin America: Paramount+
• Other regions: Local UFC broadcast partners (availability varies)

You can watch on smart TVs, mobile phones, tablets, laptops, and streaming devices like Roku and Fire TV. Full replays will be available on demand shortly after the event ends.

In the days leading up to fight night, fans can also enjoy UFC Embedded, Countdown, and other behind-the-scenes content on YouTube and Paramount+, helping build the hype before the first punch is thrown.

Final Thoughts

UFC 325 isn’t just another numbered card—it’s a historic homecoming event. With Alexander Volkanovski defending his featherweight title in Australia for the first time, a dangerous challenger in Diego Lopes, and a stacked card full of international talent and local heroes, this night has all the ingredients of a modern UFC classic.

Whether you’re inside Qudos Bank Arena soaking in the live atmosphere or watching worldwide on Paramount+, UFC 325 represents a defining moment in the UFC’s new era. If you’re a fight fan, this is one event you won’t want to miss.