Just seven days after Justin Gaethje’s victory over Paddy Pimblett, the UFC was back with another numbered event on Saturday night. UFC 325 saw Alexander Volkanovski defend his featherweight championship against Diego Lopes in a rematch of their first encounter from last April at UFC 314.
While that contest took place in Miami, Florida, this time Alexander ‘The Great’ enjoyed home advantage as the Octagon travelled to Sydney, Australia. Although UFC legend Volkanovski was a major draw for the locals, the card also featured a scrap between top lightweight contenders.
Dan Hooker met Benoit Saint-Denis in the co-main event. Both men were hoping to take one step closer to a shot at gold at 155 pounds, whether that be against interim champion Gaethje or full titleholder Ilia Topuria.
Below is a look at all the action from the major bouts at UFC 325, together with the salaries for selected fighters on the card.
Volkanovski Battled Past Lopes to Retain the UFC Featherweight Championship
Less than a year after they last collided for UFC gold, Volkanovski and Lopes renewed their rivalry at Qudos Bank Arena. The Australian hadn’t fought since his unanimous decision victory in the first fight, while Brazilian Lopes earned another shot at the title following his vicious spinning back elbow stoppage of Jean Silva in September.
At 37 years old, time should theoretically be catching up with Volkanovski. The lighter weight classes are notoriously tough on older fighters as the strain of cutting weight takes its toll.
However, if the 31-year-old Lopes was supposed to make his relative youth count, he didn’t manage it on Saturday night. If anything, Volkanovski delivered an even more comprehensive victory in front of his adoring home faithful.
Although Lopes had his moments, ‘Volk’ controlled much of the action with his superior footwork. When the pair did exchange shots, it was more often than not Volkanovski who had the last word.
Even when the challenger knocked Alex down in the third round, he couldn’t take advantage and the champion was soon back to dominating proceedings. Knowing he needed a finish to take the title, Lopes went for broke in the first stages, but failed to make any real impression, as Volkanovski ended the bout in top position. It was a fitting way for his homecoming to end.
Volkanovski took the win via unanimous decision on the judges’ scorecards (49-46, 49-46, 50-45). The triumph saw him secure his eighth win in UFC featherweight title fights, equalling the record held by the legendary Jose Aldo.
Alex will now look to become the outright record holder in his next outing, while it is difficult to see Lopes getting another championship opportunity as long as Volkanovski holds the title.
Benoit Saint Denis Demolishes Dan Hooker at UFC 325
Australian fans were promised fireworks when New Zealand’s Hooker met France’s Saint Denis in the three-round co-main. Instead, they witnessed a savage one-sided beatdown with ‘BSD’ announcing himself as a main player at lightweight.
‘Hangman’ had reason to be optimistic early as he almost secured a guillotine choke in the opening round. However, Saint Denis survived and would make Hooker pay for not finishing the fight in the second round.
The beginning of the end for Hooker came when ‘God of War’ reversed a takedown attempt, leaving the Kiwi vulnerable. Saint Denis landed with vicious elbows, before looking for an arm-triangle choke.
Hooker managed to avoid being submitted, but the end wasn’t far away as he continued to absorb punishment. Ultimately, the referee was forced to step in at 4:45 of the second round with the downed fighter unable to defend himself. The victory is the biggest of Saint Denis’ career by some distance and puts him in line for major fights later in the year.
UFC 325 Fighter Earnings
The victorious Volkanovski banked the most money over any fighter on the UFC 325 card. He took home $2,692,000, which is almost double what he earned for his first win over Lopes.
Although he will be devastated to have lost once again, Diego will at least have the consolation of a seven-figure payday following his defeat. The $1,632,000 he earned is just under a $1 million increase over what he made at UFC 314.
Despite suffering a damaging loss in the co-main event, Hooker ($421,000) made significantly more than Saint Denis ($286,000). The Frenchman will likely receive a bump in pay next time out, though, after his star-making performance.
Other UFC 325 salaries (selected)
Fighter
Estimated total payout
Dan Hooker
$421,000
Benoit Saint Denis
$286,000
Tai Tuivasa
$215,000
Cody Brundage
$215,000
Jacob Malkoun
$176,000
Mauricio Ruffy
$164,500
Jamie Mullarkey
$161,000
Rafael Fiziev
$110,000
Billy Elekana
$81,000
Junior Tafa
$65,000
Quillan Salkilld
$60,000
Keiichiro Nakamura
$53,000
Tallison Teixeira
$52,000
Oban Elliott
$34,500
Torrez Finney
$24,000
Sebastian Szalay
$16,000
When is the Next Major UFC Event?
After being treated to two numbered events in as many weeks, there’s now just over a month until UFC 326 on Saturday the 7th of March. The main event will almost certainly be worth the wait, though, as Max Holloway defends his BMF Title against Charles Oliveira in a contest that could well be a Fight of the Year contender.
Neither man is likely to take a backward step at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Only one man can take home the BMF crown, but both men will be determined to put on a show in Sin City.