Ali Akbar RosadyChampion Alexander Volkanovski is slated to defend his UFC Featherweight Championship against the second-ranked contender, Diego Lopes, in the main event of UFC 325. The highly anticipated rematch, titled "Volkanovski vs. Lopes 2," is scheduled for Saturday at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney Olympic Park, Australia. The event’s preliminary bouts are set to commence at 7 p.m. ET, with the main card expected to begin around 9 p.m. ET, available for streaming on Paramount+.
This championship bout marks a significant rematch from UFC 314, held last April, where Volkanovski secured a unanimous decision victory over Lopes to claim the then-vacant UFC featherweight title. That initial encounter was lauded for its intensity and technical prowess, earning "Fight of the Night" honors. The upcoming fight in Sydney is expected to be another high-stakes contest, with both fighters having had time to refine their strategies following their first clash.
In the latest UFC 325 odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook, Alexander Volkanovski enters the octagon as a -148 favorite, meaning a wager of $148 would be required to yield a $100 profit. Conversely, Diego Lopes is positioned as the +124 underdog, offering a $124 return on a $100 bet if he emerges victorious. The betting lines reflect a relatively close contest, indicating the competitive nature of this championship rematch.
The co-main event features a lightweight battle between the sixth-ranked Dan Hooker and the eighth-ranked Benoit Saint Denis. Saint Denis is heavily favored in this matchup with odds of -375, while Hooker is listed as a significant underdog at +295. These odds suggest a challenging assignment for Hooker, who will be looking to upset the surging Saint Denis.
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Ahead of the event, seasoned MMA analyst Kyle Marley, known for his insights on SportsLine, has revealed his betting picks and advice for UFC 325. Marley’s track record in the mixed martial arts betting landscape is notable; over the past three and a half years, bettors who have followed his selections with $100 wagers have reportedly accumulated nearly $10,000 in profits. Since May 2018, his total returns for SportsLine members are reported to exceed $21,000. His analytical prowess includes a period in 2020 where he successfully predicted five consecutive main-event underdog winners following the UFC’s brief hiatus due to the global pandemic. Furthermore, Marley demonstrated consistent form at the most recent UFC card, securing a 7-4 record on his picks. His sustained success has established him as a reliable source for MMA betting predictions.
The broadcast of UFC 325 represents a shift in how fans can access major UFC events. Paramount+ now serves as the primary platform for streaming all UFC numbered events and UFC Fight Nights live, without additional pay-per-view costs for subscribers. This change also grants access to a library of pre-fight docuseries, full-length replays of past events, and archived fights, enhancing the viewing experience for MMA enthusiasts.
Fighter Profiles and Bout Previews
Alexander "The Great" Volkanovski
Alexander Volkanovski, 37, stands as a two-time featherweight division champion and currently holds the No. 5 position in the UFC men’s pound-for-pound rankings. Prior to his illustrious MMA career, Volkanovski also competed as a professional boxer, securing a unanimous decision victory in his sole professional boxing match against Dillon Bargero in April 2015. He holds the distinction of being the first Australian-born fighter to win a UFC title, a feat that has cemented his legacy in Australian sports history.
Volkanovski boasts an impressive professional record of 27 wins and 4 losses. His victories include 13 by knockout, 3 by submission, and 11 by decision, showcasing his versatility across different aspects of MMA. Of his four losses, three have come by knockout, with one by decision. He is a recipient of the "Male Next Level Fighter of the Year" award from Australian MMA, underscoring his consistent performance and evolution within the sport. Furthermore, he holds the record as the oldest fighter in history to win the UFC featherweight championship, achieving this at 36 years and 195 days old. His fighting style is characterized by relentless pressure, powerful striking, and strong wrestling, making him a formidable opponent in the octagon.
Diego "The Eagle" Lopes
Diego Lopes, 31, commenced his professional fighting career in 2012, making his debut at It’s Time Combat 1 in Manaus, Brazil. His journey through the MMA ranks saw him compete in various promotions, including stints in Mexico and the LUX Fight League, which he joined in October 2018. His talent eventually led to an invitation to Dana White’s Contender Series 37 in 2021. Although he experienced a loss to Joanderson Brito in the series, Lopes’s performance impressed UFC officials, leading to his eventual signing with the promotion.
Lopes made his official UFC debut at UFC 288, where he faced Movsar Evloev. Despite losing the bout by unanimous decision, his spirited performance earned him "Fight of the Night" honors, highlighting his willingness to engage and deliver exciting contests. Since his debut, Lopes has demonstrated significant growth, securing six wins in his last seven fights and establishing himself as a top contender in the featherweight division. His overall professional record stands at 27 wins and 7 losses, with 11 victories by knockout, 12 by submission, and 4 by decision. Lopes is particularly renowned for his exceptional jiu-jitsu and submission skills, posing a significant threat on the ground.
Kyle Marley’s Specific Picks
Among his detailed predictions for UFC 325, Kyle Marley has publicly backed Billy Elekana (-258) to secure a victory via decision against Junior Tafa. Marley provided specific reasoning for this pick, stating, "Tafa might get the striking match that he needs here, but I’m sure Elekana could run through him with wrestling if he wants, because Tafa is that bad on the ground." He further elaborated on the potential strategies, adding, "Elekana can win a striking match here as well, but that is just going to be a closer fight, and he put himself at risk of getting knocked out. I hope he wrestles, but give me Elekana to win a decision." This analysis highlights the strategic advantages Elekana possesses, particularly in grappling, which could be a decisive factor against Tafa.
For those interested in exploring more betting opportunities, new users at DraftKings Sportsbook are currently eligible to receive $300 in bonus bets upon placing a winning $5 wager. Additionally, a bet365 bonus code offers new users $200 in bonus bets after placing a $5 wager.
UFC 325 Main Fight Card and Odds
The full main card for UFC 325, with odds subject to change, is as follows (odds from DraftKings):
- Alexander Volkanovski (-148) vs. Diego Lopes (+124)
- Dan Hooker (+295) vs. Benoit Saint Denis (-375)
- Rafael Fiziev (-122) vs. Mauricio Ruffy (+102)
- Tai Tuivasa (+260) vs. Tallison Teixeira (-325)
- Quillan Salkilld (-1000) vs. Jamie Mullarkey (+676)
Kyle Marley has prepared comprehensive picks for every bout on the UFC 325 card, including a prediction for a fighter he describes as "the better overall fighter" to achieve a significant victory. For a detailed breakdown of all matchups and expert analysis, interested parties are advised to consult SportsLine’s complete reports. Marley’s extensive experience and documented success, with over $21,000 in profits on his UFC picks since May 2018, provide a valuable resource for those looking to inform their betting decisions.
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