What time does UFC 325 start tonight? Main card doesn’t begin until 9pm ET

UFC 325 kicks off tonight with Alexander Volkanovski defending his title against Diego Lopes 2 in a high-stakes rematch. The main card begins at 9pm ET on Paramount+ from Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena. This epic featherweight showdown marks Volkanovski’s first championship defense on home soil.

What Time Does The Main Card Start Tonight

The UFC 325 main card begins at 9:00 PM ET on Saturday night. Early prelims kick off at 5:00 PM ET, followed by the preliminary card at 7:00 PM ET. All action streams live on Paramount+. For West Coast viewers, that translates to 6:00 PM PT. For Australian fans watching at home in Sydney, the main card starts at 1:00 PM AEDT Sunday.

Alexander Volkanovski will finally defend his featherweight crown on home soil after years competing abroad. The Australian legend faces number two ranked Diego Lopes in this highly anticipated rematch. Stay tuned as both fighters prepare for one of the most important contests in recent title fight history.

Main Card Fighters And Matchups Tonight

The featherweight title fight headlines the evening with Volkanovski facing Lopes in a rematch. Dan Hooker, ranked number six at lightweight, battles number eight ranked Benoit Saint Denis in a critical title contender bout. Rafael Fiziev takes on Mauricio Ruffy in another high-stakes lightweight matchup.

Heavyweight action features Serghei Spivac against a tough challenger. Additional main card fights include a lightweight bout between Quillan Salkilld and Jamie Mullarkey, both known for their striking prowess. Over 13 total fights fill the UFC 325 card across all three broadcast windows.

Key Storylines And Predictions For Tonight

Volkanovski enters as a heavy favorite despite facing Lopes on the challenger’s home continent. The featherweight champion survived serious adversity in their first meeting when Lopes dropped him with a powerful shot in round two. This rematch tests whether Volkanovski can overcome that damage and dominate again.

Fighter	Record	Notable Strengths
Alexander Volkanovski	27-4-0	Striking, footwork, cardio
Diego Lopes	23-6-0	Power punching, aggression

Experts overwhelmingly pick Volkanovski to retain his title. The Australian’s experience fighting elite competition and legendary cardio give him clear advantages. However, Lopes earned this rematch precisely because he proved dangerous enough to hurt the champion. Tonight presents his best window to capture gold.

“Volkanovski will defend his title on home soil for the first time in his storied career against number two ranked Diego Lopes in a highly anticipated rematch.”

— UFC Official Statement, January 31, 2026

Where To Stream And Watch UFC 325 Tonight

Paramount+ carries all of UFC 325 across the globe. The streaming service offers exclusive access to early prelims, prelims, and the main card. ESPN+ subscribers in select regions also get coverage. In Australia, fans can watch on Kayo as a pay-per-view option costing AUD $59.95.

Fighting starts early with the first fight at 5:00 PM ET, so dedicated fans have the full afternoon and evening. The main event should tip off around 11:00 PM ET or later depending on fight durations. Block out your schedule now to catch all the action live from Sydney.

Will Volkanovski Retire After Tonight’s Fight

Volkanovski has publicly stated he will NOT retire after defeating Lopes at UFC 325. The champion announced plans to continue his storied career beyond this defense. Speculation swirls about potential superfights and moving up in weight to challenge elite opponents in other divisions. His legacy continues to grow with each defense.

If Volkanovski wins tonight, he stays atop the featherweight division for years to come. A loss would create seismic shockwaves in the title picture and hand Lopes the greatest professional achievement of his career. Either way, tonight’s rematch will reshape the landscape of 145-pound mixed martial arts competition forever.

Sources

• UFC Official – Event details, fighter records, and scheduling information for UFC 325
• CBS Sports – Start times, platform coverage, and expert predictions for tonight’s fights
• USA TODAY MMA Junkie – Fighter predictions and analysis from top MMA experts