MMA
UFC 325 Predictions: Volkanovski To Edge Out Lopes
UFC 325 brings together a card built around proven names and fighters pushing towards the next level.
With a featherweight title fight at the top and two high-quality lightweight matchups underneath, this is an event where experience, fight management and conditioning are central to the key betting angles.
Let’s look at the betting of the headline contests at UFC 325.
Volkanovski vs Lopes
Alexander Volkanovski (4/6) heads into his featherweight title defence against Diego Lopes (6/5) as the rightful favourite, backed by his track record over five rounds and his ability to neutralise dangerous challengers. Volkanovski’s footwork, feints and timing allow him to dictate range and tempo, gradually taking control of fights rather than forcing finishes. His defensive wrestling and scrambling are also key, limiting Lopes’ biggest weapons.
Lopes is most dangerous early, where his aggression and submission threat can create chaos. If he finds opportunities in the first two rounds, the fight becomes volatile. However, if Volkanovski survives that initial surge, his pace and tactical discipline should begin to tell. Over five rounds, the champion is expected to build a lead through consistent damage and positional control, making a decision or late stoppage the most likely outcomes.
Hooker vs Saint-Denis
Dan Hooker’s clash with Benoît Saint-Denis is a classic battle between seasoned striking and aggressive, grinding pressure. Hooker’s strengths lie in his volume, durability and ability to stay composed in high-output fights. When he maintains range, his jab, kicks and combinations allow him to score consistently and frustrate opponents.
Saint-Denis brings a very different approach, built around forward movement, physicality and a willingness to push fights into uncomfortable territory. His success depends on closing distance early and often, forcing clinches, takedowns and scrambles. If he can impose that style, the fight swings in his favour. He is currently favoured for the bout at 3/10, with Dan Hooker the underdog at 5/2.
Fiziev vs Ruffy
Rafael Fiziev against Mauricio Ruffy is one of the card’s most technical striking matchups, priced at one of the most competitive bouts of the evening with a slight preference for Ruffy at 4/5, whilst Fiziev is evens. Fiziev’s advantage comes from his composure, shot selection and experience against elite-level competition. He is comfortable managing distance, countering sharply and avoiding extended brawls.
Ruffy’s threat lies in his explosiveness and confidence, particularly in fast starts where he looks to overwhelm opponents. The key here is whether he can force Fiziev into prolonged exchanges. If Fiziev controls range and tempo, his cleaner work should accumulate over three rounds, however he must keep a cautious eye out for Ruffy’s explosiveness throughout the fight.
UFC 325 rewards fighters who can manage tempo and execute over extended periods. Volkanovski’s five-round experience sets the benchmark, while the lightweight bouts hinge on whether pressure can overcome composure. It’s set to be a fascinating evening of UFC and it’ll be intriguing to see who comes out on top across the headline bouts.
