Ali Akbar Rosady
Sydney, Australia is poised to host a highly anticipated featherweight championship rematch as Alexander Volkanovski prepares to defend his title against Diego Lopes in the main event of UFC 325: Volkanovski vs. Lopes 2. The championship bout headlines a stacked card scheduled for Saturday at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney Olympic Park, Australia. Early preliminary fights are slated to commence at 5 p.m. ET, with the main card expected to begin around 9 p.m. ET, exclusively broadcast on Paramount+.
This upcoming clash marks the second encounter between the reigning champion, Volkanovski, and the second-ranked challenger, Lopes. Their initial meeting at UFC 314 last April saw Volkanovski secure a unanimous decision victory, a fight that was contested for the vacant UFC featherweight championship and ultimately earned "Fight of the Night" honors for its intensity and competitive nature. The previous bout established Volkanovski as the undisputed champion, and the upcoming rematch offers Lopes an immediate opportunity for redemption and a chance to claim the coveted title.
Current betting odds from DraftKings Sportsbook position Alexander Volkanovski as a -142 favorite, meaning a $142 wager would yield a $100 profit. Diego Lopes enters the contest as the underdog at +104, where a $100 bet would return $104 in winnings. These odds reflect the competitive nature of their first fight and the perceived challenge Lopes presents despite Volkanovski’s championship status.
Beyond the main event, the co-main event features a lightweight showdown between sixth-ranked Dan Hooker and eighth-ranked Benoit Saint Denis. Saint Denis is currently listed as a significant favorite at -375, while Hooker is the underdog at +295. This bout holds considerable implications for the lightweight division’s rankings, with both fighters aiming to climb closer to title contention.
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Ahead of UFC 325, seasoned MMA analyst Kyle Marley has released his detailed predictions and betting advice, available through SportsLine. Marley’s expertise in mixed martial arts betting has garnered significant attention, with a track record showing that $100 bettors who have followed his picks over the past three years have seen returns nearing $10,000. Since May 2018, his cumulative profits for SportsLine members have exceeded $21,000. His notable achievements include correctly predicting five consecutive main-event underdog winners in 2020 following the sport’s return from a pandemic-induced hiatus. Marley’s recent form also includes a strong 7-4 record on his picks from the most recent UFC card.
Marley’s comprehensive analysis for UFC 325 covers every angle of the Volkanovski vs. Lopes 2 rematch and the entire fight card. His complete betting picks and best bets are accessible for those seeking expert guidance before placing their wagers.
For viewers in the United States, UFC’s numbered events, including UFC 325, and all UFC Fight Night cards are now available live via a Paramount+ subscription, marking a significant shift from the traditional Pay-Per-View model. This streaming service also provides access to pre-fight docuseries, full-length replays of past events, and an extensive archive of historical fights, offering a comprehensive viewing experience for MMA enthusiasts.
Fighter Profiles and Bout Previews
Alexander Volkanovski (27-4 MMA, 14-3 UFC)
At 37 years old, Alexander "The Great" Volkanovski has established himself as a dominant force in the featherweight division. A two-time champion, Volkanovski boasts a professional record of 27 wins and 4 losses. His victories are diverse, with 13 coming by knockout, three by submission, and 11 by decision, showcasing his well-rounded skill set. Conversely, three of his four losses have been by knockout, with one decision loss. Prior to his UFC tenure, Volkanovski also competed as a professional boxer, winning his sole bout via unanimous decision in April 2015. He currently holds the No. 5 spot in the UFC men’s pound-for-pound rankings and is recognized as the first Australian-born fighter to secure a UFC title. Notably, he also holds the distinction of being the oldest fighter in history to win the UFC featherweight championship, achieving this feat at 36 years and 195 days old. His recent "Male Next Level Fighter of the Year" award from Australian MMA further underscores his continued excellence.
Diego Lopes (27-7 MMA, 2-2 UFC)
Diego Lopes, 31, embarked on his professional MMA journey in 2012 in Manaus, Brazil. His career path took him through various regional promotions in Mexico before he joined the LUX Fight League in October 2018. Lopes gained broader recognition through Dana White’s Contender Series 37 in 2021. Despite a loss to Joanderson Brito on the Contender Series, his talent was evident, leading to his eventual signing by the UFC. His UFC debut at UFC 288 resulted in a unanimous decision loss to Movsar Evloev, yet he still earned "Fight of the Night" honors, much like his first encounter with Volkanovski. Since his debut, Lopes has demonstrated significant improvement, winning six of his last seven fights. His professional record stands at 27 wins and 7 losses, with an impressive 11 knockouts, 12 submissions, and four decision victories, highlighting his versatility and finishing capabilities.
Co-Main Event: Dan Hooker vs. Benoit Saint Denis
The lightweight division’s co-main event pits New Zealand’s Dan "The Hangman" Hooker (23-12 MMA, 13-8 UFC) against France’s Benoit "God of War" Saint Denis (13-2-1 NC MMA, 5-2 UFC). Hooker, ranked sixth, is known for his striking prowess and durability, often engaging in crowd-pleasing, high-octane battles. Saint Denis, ranked eighth, has quickly become a fan favorite due to his aggressive, pressure-heavy style and strong grappling. Both fighters are seeking to solidify their positions within the top tier of the highly competitive lightweight division.
Other Notable Main Card Bouts:
The UFC 325 main card also features several other compelling matchups:
- Rafael Fiziev (-118) vs. Mauricio Ruffy (-102): A lightweight clash that promises striking fireworks, with both fighters known for their aggressive stand-up.
- Tai Tuivasa (+240) vs. Tallison Teixeira (-298): Heavyweight action sees the fan-favorite Tai Tuivasa, known for his knockout power and shoey celebration, facing Teixeira.
- Quillan Salkilld (-1000) vs. Jamie Mullarkey (+650): A lightweight bout with Salkilld entering as a significant favorite against Mullarkey.
Expert Picks and Betting Opportunities
Kyle Marley’s analysis extends beyond the main and co-main events. For instance, he has publicly backed Yi Zha (-250) to defeat Kaan Ofli (+205) in a welterweight bout on the early preliminary card. Marley stated, "Ofli could win if he is able to work his wrestling/grappling game, but I think Yi Zha is going to be the better and more dangerous striker. Maybe Ofli lands a takedown or two, but I don’t see it being enough to get his hand raised. Give me Yi Zha 29-28." This provides insight into his analytical approach, focusing on stylistic matchups and potential fight dynamics.
New users interested in betting on UFC 325 can also take advantage of promotions. DraftKings Sportsbook offers $300 in bonus bets for new users with a winning $5 wager. Additionally, the latest bet365 bonus code allows new users to claim $200 in bonus bets after placing a $5 bet.
Marley’s comprehensive predictions for Volkanovski vs. Lopes 2 and every other fight on the UFC 325 card, including his pick for a fighter he deems "the better overall fighter" to secure a significant victory, are exclusively available for review at SportsLine. Punters seeking to leverage expert analysis for their UFC 325 picks are encouraged to consult his detailed insights and find out who he is backing to emerge victorious from each encounter.
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