UFC 325 Fight Card: Complete Matchups, Start Times, and Fight Night Breakdown

The UFC 325 fight card is locked in as of January 31, 2026, delivering a globally significant mixed martial arts event anchored by a featherweight championship rematch and a deep slate of competitive bouts. Staged at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia, UFC 325 reaches U.S. fans through a prime-time broadcast window, making it one of the most accessible international UFC events of the year.

With final weigh-ins completed and only one fight removed from the lineup, the card enters fight day with clarity, structure, and high expectations. Every matchup listed below is confirmed and approved to proceed.


Featherweight Title Takes Center Stage

At the top of the UFC 325 fight card sits a championship rematch that has been building momentum for months:

Alexander Volkanovski (c) vs. Diego Lopes — UFC Featherweight Championship

Volkanovski and Lopes meet for the second time with the title on the line. Their first encounter ended in a unanimous decision victory for Volkanovski, who reclaimed the belt through disciplined striking, positional control, and championship experience.

Lopes enters the rematch sharper and more confident, having remained active since their first meeting. The challenger’s pressure-heavy style and submission threats pose a different challenge this time, setting the stage for a tactical and potentially explosive title fight.

Both fighters successfully made weight, confirming the bout without complications.


Main Card Overview

The UFC 325 fight card main slate reflects a balance between established contenders and fighters seeking to break into the elite tier. Each matchup carries direct implications for divisional rankings.

Confirmed Main Card Bouts

  • Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes — Featherweight Championship
  • Dan Hooker vs. Benoit Saint Denis — Lightweight
  • Rafael Fiziev vs. Mauricio Ruffy — Lightweight
  • Tai Tuivasa vs. Tallison Teixeira — Heavyweight
  • Quillan Salkilld vs. Jamie Mullarkey — Lightweight

The lightweight division features prominently, with three bouts showcasing striking-heavy styles, pace control, and durability. These matchups are expected to influence future contender discussions.


Key Main Card Matchups to Watch

Dan Hooker vs. Benoit Saint Denis

This lightweight clash brings together Hooker’s veteran composure and Saint Denis’ relentless aggression. Hooker’s ability to manage distance and tempo contrasts sharply with Saint Denis’ forward pressure and physicality.

A win here positions either fighter closer to top-five contention.

Rafael Fiziev vs. Mauricio Ruffy

Fiziev enters with a reputation for elite kickboxing and fight IQ. Ruffy, however, brings momentum and unpredictability. This matchup favors high output and technical exchanges, making it one of the most anticipated non-title fights on the card.

Tai Tuivasa vs. Tallison Teixeira

Heavyweight bouts often deliver decisive outcomes, and this one is no exception. Tuivasa’s knockout power meets Teixeira’s size and forward movement. The fight could end quickly, but conditioning and patience may determine the result.


Preliminary Card Breakdown

The prelims on the UFC 325 fight card provide a strong mix of experienced fighters and developing prospects. These bouts often set the emotional tone for the night.

Confirmed Preliminary Bouts

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

Each fight offers a distinct stylistic contrast. From heavyweight power to welterweight speed, the prelims feature variety and competitive balance.


Early Prelim Action

The event opens with early prelim bouts that spotlight international talent and newer UFC signees. These fights often play a crucial role in building future fan favorites.

Early Prelim Matchups

  • Kaan Ofli vs. Yi Zha
  • Sangwook Kim vs. Dom Mar Fan
  • Keiichiro Nakamura vs. Sebastian Szalay
  • Sulangrangbo vs. Lawrence Lui

These contests emphasize technical development and cage control. Several fighters on this portion of the card are making key appearances that could influence their long-term UFC trajectory.

One early prelim bout was removed following weigh-ins due to a missed weight issue. No replacement fight was added.


Weigh-In Results and Card Stability

The UFC 325 fight card remained largely intact after official weigh-ins. Championship and main card fighters met contractual weight requirements, confirming the majority of scheduled bouts.

The only cancellation involved a flyweight matchup that was removed after weigh-in irregularities. UFC officials opted to pull the fight to maintain competitive fairness.

No additional bouts were adjusted, and no late replacements were required.


UFC 325 Start Times for U.S. Viewers

Despite taking place in Australia, UFC 325 is scheduled to align with U.S. prime-time viewing.

Broadcast Schedule (Eastern Time)

  • Early Prelims: 5:00 p.m. ET
  • Prelims: 7:00 p.m. ET
  • Main Card: 9:00 p.m. ET

This timing allows American audiences to watch the entire event live without overnight viewing.


What Makes UFC 325 Stand Out

The UFC 325 fight card delivers value beyond its championship headline. The event combines title implications, ranking movement, and stylistic diversity across divisions.

Key factors that elevate the card include:

  • A proven champion defending against a motivated challenger
  • Multiple lightweight bouts with contender implications
  • Heavyweight knockout potential
  • International talent exposure
  • Minimal last-minute disruptions

This structure creates a cohesive viewing experience from early prelims to the final bell.


Divisional Impact Moving Forward

Several outcomes from UFC 325 are expected to influence rankings early in 2026.

  • The featherweight title fight determines divisional leadership
  • Lightweight winners position themselves for higher-ranked matchups
  • Heavyweight movement adds depth to a volatile division

Performance bonuses and decisive finishes could accelerate momentum for multiple fighters on the card.


Final Thoughts on the UFC 325 Fight Card

The UFC 325 fight card delivers a complete event package: championship stakes, meaningful matchups, and a schedule tailored for U.S. viewers. With confirmed bouts, cleared fighters, and minimal disruption, the event enters fight night with strong momentum.

Fans can expect a night defined by tactical battles, decisive moments, and potential shifts in divisional hierarchies.


Which matchup on the UFC 325 fight card are you most excited to watch? Share your take and check back for fight-night results and analysis.

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