The Ultimate Fighting Championship continues its strong start to 2026 with UFC 325: Volkanovski vs. Lopes 2, scheduled for Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the Qudos Bank Arena.
This numbered event marks the UFC’s return to Australia with a high-profile card, headlined by a featherweight title rematch. With elite contenders, fan favorites, and explosive matchups across multiple divisions, UFC 325 is shaping up to be one of the most important cards of the early season.
📅 Official Event Details
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Event: UFC 325: Volkanovski vs. Lopes 2
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Date: Saturday, January 31, 2026
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Venue: Qudos Bank Arena — Sydney, Australia
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Promotion: Ultimate Fighting Championship
🥇 Main Event — Featherweight Championship Rematch
Alexander Volkanovski (c) vs. Diego Lopes
The main event features a highly anticipated rematch for the UFC Featherweight Championship.
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Alexander Volkanovski, one of the greatest featherweights in MMA history, looks to defend his title in front of his home-country crowd. Known for his elite fight IQ, pressure, and conditioning, Volkanovski enters the bout aiming to solidify his reign once again.
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Diego Lopes, representing the new generation of contenders, earned this rematch after a strong run through the division. Aggressive, unpredictable, and dangerous on the ground, Lopes arrives determined to rewrite the outcome of their first meeting.
This fight carries massive implications for the featherweight division and could define its direction for the rest of 2026.
💥 Main Card Matchups
In addition to the championship bout, the UFC 325 main card is stacked with compelling fights:
🥊 Dan Hooker vs. Benoît Saint-Denis
A high-level lightweight clash between a seasoned striker and an aggressive finisher.
🥊 Rafael Fiziev vs. Maurício Ruffy
A fast-paced matchup featuring technical striking and explosive athleticism.
🥊 Tai Tuivasa vs. Tallison Teixeira
Heavyweight fireworks expected as Tuivasa returns to action against a dangerous Brazilian prospect.
🥊 Quillan Salkilld vs. Jamie Mullarkey
An all-action lightweight bout featuring two fighters known for their durability and pace.
🪪 Preliminary Card Highlights
The preliminary portion of UFC 325 offers depth and rising talent:
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Junior Tafa vs. Billy Elekana
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Cam Rowston vs. Cody Brundage
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Jacob Malkoun vs. Torrez Finney
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Jonathan Micallef vs. Oban Elliott
Early Prelims
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Kaan Ofli vs. Yizha
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Sang Wook Kim vs. Dom Mar Fan
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Keiichiro Nakamura vs. Sebastian Szalay
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Sulangrangbo vs. Lawrence Lui
These matchups provide a strong platform for emerging fighters to make an impact early in the year.
⏰ Start Times
Brazil (BRT):
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Prelims: 7:00 PM
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Main Card: 11:00 PM
United States (ET):
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Prelims: 5:00 AM
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Main Card: 9:00 PM
(Times subject to local broadcast adjustments.)
📺 How to Watch
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Paramount+ — Live streaming of the full event
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ESPN (Brazil) — Coverage, analysis, and highlights
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Regional broadcast partners may vary by country
🧠 Why UFC 325 Matters
1️⃣ Title implications
The featherweight championship rematch could reset the division hierarchy for 2026.
2️⃣ Strong lightweight presence
Multiple lightweight bouts add depth and potential contenders to one of the UFC’s most competitive divisions.
3️⃣ Global expansion
Hosting a numbered event in Sydney reinforces the UFC’s global footprint and commitment to international markets.
UFC 325: Volkanovski vs. Lopes 2 stands out as a defining event early in the 2026 UFC calendar. With a championship rematch, explosive main card matchups, and a deep lineup from top to bottom, the Sydney event promises high-level MMA and major implications across several divisions.
As the UFC continues its momentum into the new year, all eyes will be on Australia for what could be a pivotal night in the sport.