UFC 325 is scheduled to take place on January 31, 2026, at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia. The card will go live in local time on February 1, 2026.
A UFC event in Sydney, after a series of international events, is an indication of the organisation’s growing influence and a positive sign of its presence in the Asia-Pacific region. The arena is expected to be filled with fans who cannot wait to watch the mixed martial arts fights of the highest calibre all night long.
UFC 325 returns to Sydney, showcasing elite MMA action globally.
Why Is Volkanovski vs Lopes 2 So Significant?
In the spotlight will be a confrontation between featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes, who is the challenger. Their first encounter occurred at UFC 314 in April 2025, where Volkanovski won back the featherweight title with a unanimous decision.
Lopes wants to prove his worth in the rematch, which makes it one of the most eagerly awaited rivalries in the featherweight division for years to come. Actually, the fight has already attracted a lot of attention in the MMA world and beyond.
What Does The Return To Sydney Mean For UFC Fans?
Volkanovski vs Lopes 2 is marking the first time in several years that the Aussie king will be fighting in his own territory. The fight is converting into an exciting and unforgettable experience for fans attending the event at the Qudos Bank Arena.
Moreover, this also shows the UFC’s devotion to the Australian market. The local crowd is getting the opportunity to watch a featherweight championship that is of high stakes, and the promotion is expecting to engage and create interest in future events. They are expecting a full house and a charged atmosphere all night long.
Volkanovski vs Lopes 2 marks Aussie champ’s thrilling homecoming fight.
How Did We Get Here: The Build-Up To The Rematch
At UFC 314, Volkanovski regained the featherweight title by defeating Lopes and thus put an end to a turbulent period of champions who were constantly changing in the 145-pound division.
Lopes later in 2025 made up for his loss and got the chance to fight again for the title after a second-round knockout victory over Jean Silva. This rematch is a sign of the fighters’ resolve and the UFC’s promotional strategy. More importantly, it underscores the overall featherweight division’s good fortune, as even more contenders like Movsar Evloev and Lerone Murphy are waiting to get the exposure they deserve.
What Could This Rematch Mean For The Featherweight Division?
If Volkanovski comes out on top again, it will be a clear-cut case of his supremacy, and new challengers will likely be lined up for him in 2026. On the other hand, a victory for Lopes will rattle the ranks and create a succession of new storylines and possible super-fights.
Both outcomes have the power to create huge movements in the featherweight hierarchy. Pundits have a consensus that the winner could either preserve or gain momentum when entering international events, impacting the whole division’s matchmaking.
Volkanovski’s win confirms dominance; Lopes’ victory shakes up featherweight rankings.
What Fans Should Watch Out For At UFC 325
Apart from the main event, UFC 325 has an attractive undercard, too. It will be hard for the fans not to notice the exciting performances of the upcoming talents who are dying to be recognised. Thanks to the Paramount+ broadcast deal, live coverage will be provided to the audience globally.
The Sydney occasion is probably going to facilitate the sport’s growth in popularity in Australia while simultaneously bringing new fans to the main event, along with the stars. UFC 325 is a whole different ball game compared to other cards, and not only because of the mix of top-notch fighters and local fan enthusiasm.
Also read: Tragic End For Ex-UFC Fighter: Godofredo Pepey Found Dead In Florida Prison Cell
FAQs
Q1: When and where is UFC 325 held?
A: UFC 325 will take place on 31 January 2026 at Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney.
Q2: Who fights in the main event?
A: In the main event, Alexander Volkanovski defends the featherweight title against Diego Lopes in a rematch.
Q3: What happened in their first fight?
A: In the first fight, held at UFC 314, Volkanovski was declared the winner after a unanimous decision by the judges in his favour to take the featherweight belt.
Q4: Why is this event significant for Australian fans?
A: It will be the champion’s first fight on Australian soil after a long time, and the local fans will have the chance to see a major title defence.
