UFC 325: Volkanovski vs. Lopes 2 - Odds, Predictions & Picks

• Featherweight title implications headline a monumental return to Australia this Sunday night

• Alexander Volkanovski is in contention to reassert himself against the surging Diego Lopes in a highly anticipated rematch

• Benoît Saint Denis comes head-to-head in a stern test against fan favorite Dan Hooker in a crucial lightweight clash

UFC 325: Volkanovski vs. Lopes 2 - Odds

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UFC Fight Night: Volkanovski vs. Lopes 2 - Picks & Predictions

Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes - Featherweight

Our pick: Alexander Volkanovski (-164) at FanDuel

Dan Hooker vs. Benoît Saint Denis - Lightweight Division

Our pick: Benoît Saint Denis (-330) at FanDuel

Rafael Fiziev vs. Mauricio Ruffy - Lightweight Division

Our pick: Mauricio Ruffy (-128) at FanDuel

Tai Tuivasa vs. Tallison Teixeira - Heavyweight Division

Our pick: Tallison Teixeira (-340) at FanDuel

Quillan Salkilld vs. Jamie Mullarkey - Lightweight Division

Our pick: Quillan Salkilld (-1000) at FanDuel

Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes - Featherweight Division

All eyes will be on Sydney this Sunday as title holder Alexander Volkanovski runs back the clock with Diego Lopes in a rematch that carries massive implications for the Featherweight title picture. It’ll be an ‘all-eyes-on’ melting pot of experience versus momentum, with both men entering the Octagon at pivotal moments in their careers.

Volkanovski keeps his spot as champion, being the most technically complete fighter the division has ever seen. The 37-year-old’s résumé speaks for itself, and despite losing his title temporarily in 2024 to Ilia Topuria, he has consistently shown an ability to adapt, form a game-plan, and neutralise dangerous opponents, bouncing back last year to claim the title over none other than Diego Lopes. Fighting on home soil should also give “The Great” an emotional edge as he looks to remind everyone why he ruled the division for so long.

Meanwhile, Lopes has surged into the title question on the back of his explosive second-round knockout victory over Jean Silva. The Brazilian brings untamed pressure, brutal submissions, and a willingness to take risks that can overwhelm opponents. At 31, he’s entering his prime and will feel this is his moment to leapfrog into title contention with a comeback win over a legend.

This rematch should be competitive early, and although Volk’s chin isn’t what it used to be, his experience, pace control, and tactile strikes give him the edge over five rounds. Expect a disciplined performance from the Aussie, who gets the nod at -164 with FanDuel.

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Dan Hooker vs. Benoît Saint Denis - Lightweight Division

This fan-service showdown sees Dan Hooker welcome Benoît Saint Denis to Australia in what promises to be a high-intensity affair. Both men are known for their durability and readiness to engage, making this one of the most anticipated matchups on the card.

Hooker remains one of the division’s most respected veterans. The New Zealand fighter has shared the cage with elite competition throughout his UFC career and is never short on heart or resolve. But the miles are beginning to add up. A middling performance of three victories in five, and his last bout—a second-round submission loss late last year—indicate a period of instability.

Saint Denis is emblematic of the new breed of Lightweight contender. The Frenchman has torn through his last three opponents with relentless pressure, physicality, and an aggressive grappling style that inevitably breaks down his opponents. Still just 30, he looks to be peaking physically and mentally, with each outing cementing his footing as a future contender.

Hooker’s resilience is likely to keep him in the conversation early doors, but Saint Denis’ pace and power should begin to tell as the fight wears on. The Frenchman looks well worth getting behind at -330 with FanDuel.

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Rafael Fiziev vs. Mauricio Ruffy - Lightweight Division

This Lightweight contest pits proven striker Rafael Fiziev against one of the division’s most fascinating rising talents in Mauricio Ruffy. On paper, it’s looking set to be a striking enthusiast’s dream.

Fiziev is one of the most complete kickboxers in the UFC, possessing elite speed, decisive counters, and destructive body work. On his day, few can match his unpredictable combinations. However, injuries and inactivity have hampered his momentum. After a win last summer, ending a three-match losing streak, there are concerns about where he currently sits in the division hierarchy.

Ruffy arrives with a serious buzz attached to his name, and for good reason, too. The Brazilian melds power with composure, which is a rare combination, carrying a physical advantage over Fiziev in reach and size. At 29, and coming off the back of a tough loss to Benoît Saint Denis late last year, he's showing rapid improvement and has demonstrated the discipline needed to scout for finishes without losing his head.

This feels like a torch-passing moment. Fiziev will be opportunistic, but Ruffy’s size and verticality make him a slight but appealing favorite. He gets the vote at -128 with FanDuel.

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Tai Tuivasa vs. Tallison Teixeira - Heavyweight Division

Heavyweight action returns to Australia as Tai Tuivasa looks to halt a worrying five-match skid against the 26-year-old behemoth prospect Tallison Teixeira. This showdown will be sure to end in fireworks.

Tuivasa keeps his status as a cult favorite, well-known for his devastating knockout power and all-out action technique. However, his recent string of losses has exposed defensive fragilities, and prolonged bouts have not been kind to the Aussie brawler. Fighting at home could plot a redemption arc, but the margin for error is thin.

Teixeira is the polar opposite, physically and stylistically. Standing at a towering 6ft 7in with a gigantic reach advantage in his favor, the Brazilian brings size, athleticism, and finishing power. At just 26, he’s still raw but undoubtedly dangerous and impossible to overlook, particularly against opponents who struggle with range.

Tuivasa will never lose his knockout threat, but Teixeira’s dimensions and composure make him a tough nut to crack. The younger man is rightly favored and looks the smart pick at -340 with FanDuel.

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Quillan Salkilld vs. Jamie Mullarkey - Lightweight Division

The card rounds out with an all-Australian Lightweight clash as emerging prospect Quillan Salkilld meets this division's seasoned fighter Jamie Mullarkey.

Salkilld has emerged as one of the region’s most thrilling talents, welding together crisp striking with robust wrestling principles. At just 26, and with only one defeat in ten bouts, he’s appeared well ahead of schedule and has demonstrated maturity beyond his years on the canvas.

Mullarkey will be the provider of his trademark experience and grit, having competed against tough opposition throughout his UFC tenure. However, with only two victories in his past five fights, consistency has been the roadblock to his success, and he now faces a younger, faster opponent with far greater momentum.

Discounting a surprise result, this looks like a showcase opportunity for Salkilld to take the reins. His skillset and trajectory justify his heavy favorite position, so he’s the clear pick at -1000 with FanDuel.

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How to Watch UFC 325: Volkanovski vs. Lopes 2

• Location: Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney Olympic Park, Australia

• When: Sunday, February 1

• Time: 09:00PM ET

• How: ESPN