UFC 325: Volkanovski vs. Lopez 2 Odds and Predictions

It’s the second UFC event of the Paramount+ era and it’s another banger just like last week’s UFC 324 show from Las Vegas. However, this card will be live from Australia and feature an exciting rematch in the main event as Alexander Volkanvoski defends his featherweight championship against Diego Lopes.

The co-main event promises to be an action-packed fight as Top eight lightweights Dan Hooker takes on Benoit Saint Denis. In fact, there are three lightweight bouts scheduled on the main card. On the prelims, there will be four Road to UFC season four tournament finales, with all of these bouts promising plenty of action and suspense.

In total, UFC 325 has 14 fights as of this writing. And, as you know, the fight card could change throughout the week with late-replacements or cancellations.

With that said, let’s dive into the promotion’s second event of the year and make our UFC Picks for UFC 325: Voklanovski vs. Lopes 2.

Where To Watch UFC 325?

UFC 325 can be seen live on Paramount+ with one of the platform’s two regular monthly subscriptions.

What Time Does UFC 325 start?

The UFC 325 Preliminary Card will be split up into two sections: Early Prelims and Prelims. The Early Prelims have a 5pm ET start time. The regular Prelims will begin at 7pm ET. The Main Card is set to begin at 9pm ET.

Where Is UFC 325?

As mentioned above, UFC 325 will be live from the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia.

UFC 325 Main Card Odds

Check out the latest UFC 325 odds for the Main Card, courtesy of the top sports betting sites:

Three of the five bouts scheduled for the main card have sizable odds. Quillan Salkilld is not only the largest favorite for the main card, but the entire UFC 325 event. The featured bout has close odds which means that the sportsbooks view this as a tight rematch.

Last week, we went 4-1 in our UFC 324 main card predictions along with sweeping up the Totals for a 5-0 mark.

Keep reading to see our UFC 325 predictions unfold for the Main Card. And, make sure to compare our picks with the top handicappers in this space.

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UFC 325 Predictions For The Main Card

The UFC 325 Main Card has a 9pm ET start time and will stream live on Paramount+.

(c) Alexander Volkanovski (-147) vs. Diego Lopes (+127)

• Total: Over (-110)/Under 4.5 (-110) Rounds
• Division: Featherweight

Alexander Volkanovski (27-4) enters UFC 325 as the reigning featherweight champion, having reclaimed the belt in his previous fight against Diego Lopes in April 2025. He hasn’t fought since that bout.

Overall, Volkanovski has won 2 of his last 4, but those losses did come against elite-level fighters. At 37, one has to question how much longer he will be at the top of his form.

Diego Lopes (27-7) earned a rematch by rebounding strongly after that title loss and putting an emphatic win via 2^nd round TKO over Jean Silva. Lopes is still evolving as a fighter and continues to look sharper each time that he steps inside the cage.

This fight will come down to Volkanovski’s composure versus Lopes’s desire for chaos. The latter has more success when things get less controlled inside the cage. If he can force extended striking exchanges then Lopes has a real shot at winning.

I expect the challenger to show more success in the early rounds but I do see Volkanovski doing what he does best, maintain composure, rely on his superior conditioning and chipping away at his opponent until picking up the victory via decision.

Bet: Alexander Volkanovski (-147), Over 4.5 rounds (-110)

Benoit Saint Denis (-330) vs. Dan Hooker (+270)

• Total: Over (-175)/Under 1.5 (+153) Rounds
• Division: Lightweight

Dan Hooker (24-13) vs. Benoit Saint Denis (16-3-1, 1 NC) is going to be an exciting co-main event as these two lightweights battle to get back into the Top 5 and one step closer to a title shot.

Hooker is a veteran of the UFC with a 14-9 record inside the octagon. Ranked no.6 in the division, he’s coming off a submission loss to Tsarukyan that snapped a three-fight winning streak.

The no.8 Saint Denis has won three fights in a row, which included a surprise knockout of Dariush in his last fight. In fact, that bout lasted just 16 seconds and improved Saint Denis’ record to 8-3 inside the UFC.

Hooker needs space and range to use his length for jabs and kicks. Saint Denis will push forward as he’s an aggressive fighter that needs to lean into Hooker, make it dirty, initiate any takedowns, and make things as mucky as possible.

Hooker’s been stopped seven times in his career, I see another one coming this weekend, as well. Take The God of War to win a one-sided octagon battle this weekend.

I’m skipping the total for this fight as it will come down to how quickly Saint Denis can close the gap and put Hooker into danger. Instead, I like the prop bet for this bout to end inside the distance (-270).

Bet: Benoit Saint Denis (-330), Fight Ends Inside The Distance (-270)

Mauricio Ruffy (-128) vs. Rafael Fiziev (+108)

• Total: Over (-170)/Under 2.5 (+149) Rounds
• Division: Lightweight

In the second of three lightweight bouts, no.9 Rafael Fiziev (13-4, 7-4 UFC) will take on no. 14 Mauricio Ruffy (12-2, 3-1 UFC). According to the UFC odds, this is the closest fight on the main card.

Fiziev snapped a three-fight skid by defeating Bahamondes last June via decision. Two of his last three losses came against Justin Gaethje, where both of those bouts went the distance.

Ruffy started off his UFC run with three straight wins but cooled off in his last fight where he lost via 2^nd round submission to Saint Denis last September. Ruffy appears to struggle with high-level grapplers.

Fortunately for the betting favorite, Fiziev is not an elite grappler. However, he is a more polished striker with far more experience against the division’s top fighters. I see Fiziev’s technical striking being the difference in this bout. Take the underdog to win via decision.

Bet: Rafael Fiziev (+108), 2.5 rounds (-170)

Tallison Teixeira (-275) vs. Tai Tuivasa (+235)

• Total: Over (+207)/Under 1.5 (-250) Rounds
• Division: Heavyweight

Tai Tuivasa (15-8, 8-8 UFC) vs. Tallison Teixeira (8-1, 1-1 UFC) is a battle of Top 15 heavyweights where the latter is looking to move into the Top 10 of the division.

Teixeira is a rising heavyweight that suffered his first pro loss last July when he was dropped via 1^st round TKO against Derrick Lewis. The 26-year-old is looking to bounce back and prove that he’s a future contender in this weight class.

Tuivasa is a gatekeeper in the heavyweight division with a five-fight losing streak. He droped his last bout in August 2024, against Jairzinho Rozenstruik via split decision. Over that losing streak, Tai lost four of those via stoppage.

I like the favorite in this fight as Teixeira is a rising contender, while Tuivasa is a gatekeeper that appears to be on his last legs in the UFC. The former has never gone the distance, is taller and has an eight-inch reach advantage.

When you combine that with his proficient striking and explosive punches, it’s hard to see a heavy-handed Tuivasa landing a big strike to win this bout. Instead, take Teixiera winning this bout via stoppage. The only question is whether or not the fight will go Over 1.5 rounds.

I’m skipping the Total for this fight and taking the prop bet that this bout ends inside the distance.

Bet: Tallison Teixeira (-275), Fight Ends Inside The Distance (-1000)

Quillan Salkilld (-800) vs. Jamie Mullarkey (+575)   

• Total: Over (+125)/Under 1.5 (-145) Rounds
• Division: Lightweight

The UFC main card opener pits the rising lightweight fighter in Quillan Salkilld (10-1, 3-0 UFC) versus another gatekeeper in Jamie Mullarkey (18-8, 6-6 UFC).

Mullarkey won his last bout via decision over Bedoya. It snapped a two-fight losing streak which included losses to Ruffy and Haqparast. The latter was just knocked out by Salkilld last October.

Australia’s Salkilld will have the home-country fans behind him in this all-Australian battle. I expect Mullarkey to keep things competitive until they aren’t. Salkilld will pressure and use his versatile striking to batter Mullarkey. Eventually, the event’s biggest favorite will pick up his fourth UFC win and third stoppage over that span.

The question now becomes whether or not Mullarkey can survive all three rounds. I don’t see that happening. Six of his eight pro losses have come via TKO/KO. Additionally, he was stopped Under 1.5 rounds in three of his last four defeats. Take a flier on the Under 1.5 rounds for this bout, as well.

Bet: Quillan Salkilld (-800), Under 1.5 rounds (-145)

UFC 325 Preliminary Card Odds

Check out the latest UFC 325 odds for the Preliminary Card:

Unlike the main card, the UFC 325 prelims have far more competitive bouts based on the current UFC betting odds. This will also make some of the UFC predictions slightly harder considering the matchups. Last week, we went 5-1 in our UFC 324 prelims. Let’s see if we can come close to that mark for UFC 325.

UFC 325 Predictions For The Preliminary Card

The UFC 325 preliminary card will begin at 5pm ET with the early prelims and roll into a second wave of prelim fights at 7pm ET. The entire preliminary card can be seen on Paramount+.

Billy Elekana (-240) vs. Junior Tafa (+205)

• Total: Over (-125)/Under 1.5 (+105) Rounds
• Division: Light Heavyweight

Junior Tafa (6-4) sports a 2-4 record in the UFC and has dropped three of his last four bouts. His last fight came in July 2025, where he lost via 2^nd round submission. Billy Elekana (9-2) is 2-1 inside the octagon and rolls into this bout on a two-fight winning streak.

Elekana dropped his UFC debut in January 2025, but won his next two bouts as he competed three times last year. He’s the betting favorite for this bout, and rightfully so.

While both men have power and athletic prowess, Elekana is the smoother of the two fighters when it comes to offensive skills. His accuracy and conditioning should lead to a victory in the second half of this bout.

I believe Elekana will get the stoppage in this fight as Tafa’s last three losses have come via stoppage. The Total is a bit tricky but I see Tafa lasting through a first-round that could be dangerous if both men come out swinging.

Bet: Billy Elekana (-240), Over 1.5 rounds (-125), Fight Ends Inside The Distance (-400)

Cameron Rowston (-345) vs. Cody Brundage (+285)

• Total: Over (+105)/Under 1.5 (-125) Rounds
• Division: Middleweight

Cam Rowston (13-3, 1-0 UFC) is making his second trip inside the octagon this weekend. He debuted in the UFC last year and stopped Petroski via 1^st round TKO. 12 of his 13 pro wins have come via stoppage with an equal split between submissions and knockouts.

Cody Brundage (11-8, 5-6-1 UFC) has a losing record inside the octagon. He last competed in August 2025, and lost via split decision to Eric McConico.

Brundage is a durable fighter but does have four pro losses via stoppage. Rowston’s striking is a big advantage over his opponent this weekend. I’m just not sure he will get the stoppage or not. While I am riding Rowston’s upside into this bout, I will skip the Total until I see how he performs this weekend.

Bet: Cameron Rowston (-345)

Jacob Malkoun (-135) vs. Torrez Finney (+115)

• Total: Over (-190)/Under 2.5 (+165) Rounds
• Division: Middleweight

This fight is all about Torrez Finney (11-0, 1-0 UFC) and his ability to overcome a UFC veteran in Jacob Malkoun (8-3, 4-3 UFC). Nicknamed “Mamba,” Malkoun has gone 2-2 in his last four bouts with losses to Brundage and Brendan Allen. He’s a durable fighter and a necessary challenge if Finney wants to succeed inside the octagon.

Nicknamed “The Punisher,” Finney did defeat the previously mentioned Rowston on DWCS in August 2024, to earn a second appearance. Eventually, that led to his UFC debut in April of last year where he beat Robert Valentin via split decision.

Finney has the slight reach advantage, but appears to be the better of these two combatants when it comes to striking and power. The only question is whether or not Finney can overcome Malkoun’s durability and experience.

I like the Over 2.5 rounds for this bout as I think these two men will push the full three rounds. With that said, you can flip a coin as to who will win on the scorecards. Give me the underdog for this bout as the American upsets Australia’s Malkoun.

Bet: Torrez Finney (+115), Over 2.5 rounds (-190)

Jonathan Micallef (-133) vs. Oban Elliott (+113)

• Total: Over (-220)/Under 2.5 (+185) Rounds
• Division: Welterweight

Jonathan Micallef (8-1) is 1-0 in the UFC after winning his octagon debut almost one year ago to the day. He’s on a three-fight winning streak and is a native of Australia.

Oban Elliott (12-3) is from Wales but has more UFC experience with a 3-1 octagon record. He dropped his last fight via decision to Seok Hyeon Ko via decision.

This should be a fast-paced bout with plenty of action whether that’s striking or grappling exchanges. Elliott’s athleticism could give Micallef trouble inside the cage but I like the latter’s grit and striking abilities to be the difference in this bout.

The odds favor the Over and for the fight to go the distance. So, we should see a decision win for either man. For me, I like Micallef to outpoint Elliott.

Bet: Jonathan Micallef (-133)

Yi Zha (-190) vs. Kaan Ofli (+165)

• Total: Over (-200)/Under 2.5 (+174) Rounds
• Division: Featherweight

The Australian Kaan Ofli (12-4-1) is 1-2 inside the octagon but did pick up a decent win in his last bout, where he beat Ricardo Ramos via 1^st round submission last October. He is a durable fighter with a solid submission game.

Yi Zha (26-5) has eight fights under the UFC banner and is 6-2 in those contests. Both of those losses have come via decision. He last competed in August 2025, and defeated Westin Wilson via 1^st round KO. 20 of his 26 pro wins have come via stoppage.

Ofli’s key to success is scoring takedowns and maintaining ground control. Otherwise, Zha is going to touch him up and find possible paths to a stoppage.

Despite the odds, Ofli does have a real shot at winning this fight. With that said, I am leaning towards Zha who has enough grappling chops to withstand some takedowns while also having the clear striking advantage.

Bet: Yi Zha (-190)

Dom Mar Fan (-175) vs. Kim Sangwook (+145)

• Total: Over (-150)/Under 2.5 (+130) Rounds
• Division: Lightweight

Kim Sangwook (13-3) has four fights under the UFC umbrella and sports a 3-1 record. Those appearances came on the promotion’s show – Road to UFC. He meets Dom Mar Fan (8-2) in the finals of this season’s tournament.

Both men have won four straight bouts entering this weekend’s contest. Sangwook is the veteran of the two, while Mar Fan is the 25-year-old prospect. Mar Fan’s only two losses have come against Quillan Salkilld, who will open the UFC 325 main card and is the biggest betting favorite of the show.

I think that Mar Fan can pick up the biggest win of his career by defeating Sangwook in this matchup. I like for the youngster to score a decision win as he outpoints his opponent and successfully defends takedowns.

Bet: Dom Mar Fan (-175), Over 2.5 rounds (-150)

Sebastian Szalay (-125) vs. Keiichiro Nakamura (+105)

• Total: Over (-190)/Under 1.5 (+165) Rounds
• Division: Featherweight

Keiichiro Nakamura (7-1) takes on Sebastian Szalay (10-1) in the featherweight finale for Road to UFC. This is the closest fight on the night, according to oddsmakers. And, it’s the toughest to predict.

Australia’s Szalay has won nine fights in a row and is the more technical fighter of the two. Nakamura has won seven fights in a row and has shown knockout power that could end this fight early or at any point he connects with a big shot.

This is going to be a close on, so take the Over 1.5 rounds as it could go the distance if Szalay survives dangerous striking exchanges.

As a pro wrestling fan, I love the heels and that’s exactly what Nakamura portrays with his confidence and in-cage demeanor after scoring victories against fan favorites. So, I see that trend continuing as he defeats Australia’s Szalay.

Bet: Keiichiro Nakamura (+105), Over 1.5 rounds (-190)

Sulangrangbo (-218) vs. Lawrence Lui (+188)

• Total: Over (+111)/Under 2.5 (-131) Rounds
• Division: Bantamweight

Sulangrangbo (10-3) is just 20-years-old and already has compiled a 13-fight resume. His career started off rough but he has won nine fights in a row and will be the bigger of the two men in this bantamweight tournament finale for Road to UFC season four.

Lawrence Lui (7-1) is on a four-fight winning streak after suffering the lone loss of his career in May 2022, via split decision to Anthony Drilich. He’s nine years older than his opponent this weekend, but is coming off a solid 2^nd round TKO win in his last time out.

Liu is a live dog in this fight with his controlled striking and takedown defense. But it’s hard to pick against Sulangrangbo’s trajectory as he is very mature for his age and has the skillset to finish this fight inside the distance or to outpoint Lui.

I feel more comfortable with a moneyline pick than any other prop in this tight contest. If you want to swing for the fences with an upset this weekend, this bout fits the bill.

Bet: Sulangrangbo (-218)

Namsrai Batbayar (-125) vs. Aaron Tau (+105)

• Total: Over (-160)/Under 1.5 (+140) Rounds
• Division: Flyweight

Aaron Tau (11-1) and Namsrai Batbayar (9-1) will open up the UFC 325 show with a flyweight tournament finale for Road to UFC season four.

Batbayar has a perfect stoppage rate with four TKO/KO wins and five submission victories. His lone loss came via submission, which he won’t have to worry about as much with Tau who is more of a striker than grappler; yet, Tau does have some wrestling chops that will keep him from avoiding the ground exchanges.

I like the Over for this fight and for Batbayar to keep his perfect finishing rate going this weekend. I am leaning towards a submission win for the Mongolian fighter who is shaping up to be a rising contender in the UFC’s flyweight division.

Bet: Namsrai Batbayar (-125), Over 1.5 rounds (-160)

The Best UFC 325 Picks

The following is our best UFC picks for this weekend’s event:

• Billy Elekana (-240)
• Quillan Salkilld (-800)
• Tallison Teixeira (-275)
• Saint Denis vs. Hooker ends inside distance (-270)

I have no faith in Junior Tafa putting up a challenge against Billy Elekana this weekend. The latter will pick up a convincing win in this light heavyweight fight.

Quillan Salkilld is the biggest favorite of the night and facing a gatekeeper that will get overwhelmed by the rising Australian prospect.

Tai Tuivasa is done as a contender in the heavyweight division. Yet, I see Tallison Teixeira regrouping from his loss to Lewis and taking out Tuivasa via stoppage.

The Benoit Saint Denis vs. Dan Hooker co-main event is shaping up to be a banger as both men have the capabilities of finishing off their opponents. Yet, you have to like Saint Denis’ in this one as he has the power advantage along with being the better fighter in close quarters.

If you place all four of these best UFC 325 picks into a parlay, then you will earn $198 for every $100 wagered. Not bad for taking sizable favorites and stacking them into a four-leg parlay. Check out our best NFL parlays of the week for more multi-leg wagers.

UFC 325 Card

Check out the updated UFC 325 fight card: