UFC 325: A Curious Chapter in the MMA Calendar
UFC 325 occupies a uniquely peculiar position within the UFC's 2026 schedule, and indeed in the broader history of the mixed martial arts promotion. Serving as a swift follow-up to UFC 324, the event is headlined by an unexpected and, for many, unwelcome sequel: Alexander Volkanovski versus Diego Lopes 2. This main event tops the bill for the UFC's second-ever showcase on the Paramount+ platform, leaving a notable segment of the fanbase with mixed emotions as the organisation heads to Australia.
The Paramount+ Shift and Fan Priorities
In reality, the transition to Paramount+ may have been somewhat overstated in its significance. While it provides the UFC with a new broadcasting narrative and last week's debut offered production refinements, the core audience primarily concerns itself with the quality of the fights themselves, rather than the surrounding spectacle. From this perspective, UFC 324 did deliver, featuring numerous stoppages leading to the main event, potentially incentivised by enhanced fighter bonuses. However, within the wider, ongoing discourse about UFC fighter compensation, these increments appear relatively minor, underscoring why the broader implications of the UFC's multi-billion dollar Paramount deal might be met with indifference.
Dissecting the Apathy from UFC 324
The UFC 324 main event, a chaotic and violent affair between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett, is likely to be a Fight of the Year contender. Yet, it also generated a sense of apathy. It was an interim-title bout that excluded the division's most deserving contender, Arman Tsarukyan, and set up a unification fight between Ilia Topuria and Gaethje, where the latter appears destined to fall against the true champion. Compounded by the defeat of a major star in Pimblett, it becomes challenging to sustain unbridled excitement from that event. This lingering apathy now travels over 7,700 miles from Las Vegas to Sydney for UFC 325.
The Questionable Main Event Rematch
UFC 325 takes place just seven days after its predecessor, headlined by another title fight featuring a contender whose claim is debated. Diego Lopes receives a second shot at Alexander Volkanovski merely nine months after their first encounter. In April 2025, an ageing Volkanovski turned back the clock to outpoint Lopes and claim the vacant featherweight belt, beginning his second reign. The intrigue surrounding his second reign was expected to centre on fresh challenges. Several fighters presented compelling cases: Britain's Lerone Murphy was highly deserving, Movsar Evloev was on a long win streak, Jean Silva appeared a dangerous prospect, ex-bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling was an alternative, and former Bellator star Aaron Pico was poised for his UFC debut.
Instead, the Australian champion is set for a rematch with Lopes, a decision that has reportedly left even Volkanovski perplexed. The rematch is promoted based on a flash knockdown Lopes scored in their first fight and his impressive bounce-back victory over Silva in September. While that win rightly repositioned Lopes in the title conversation, many argue it should not have catapulted him directly back to the front of the queue. Notably, just one month prior, Murphy solidified his own credentials by spoiling Pico's debut, and Sterling secured an important win. While Evloev has been injured, the landscape suggested clearer alternatives than Lopes for Volkanovski's next defence.
Potential Outcomes and Broader Card Context
It must be stated clearly: Diego Lopes could very well win on Saturday night. He is a dangerous fighter who momentarily troubled Volkanovski in their initial clash, and Volkanovski is now a year older at 37. A victory for the 31-year-old Lopes might, in some eyes, retrospectively validate the matchmaking. Beyond the main event, UFC 325 is, on paper, a robust card, mirroring UFC 324 in that respect. Furthermore, UFC 326 in early March promises an exciting lineup from top to bottom.
Underlying Scepticism and the Path Forward
Nevertheless, a current of scepticism persists among fans. Some suspect the UFC is applying extra effort to impress its new broadcast partner, Paramount+, and that matchmaking motivation may wane as the year progresses, especially with the end of the traditional pay-per-view model reducing the direct incentive to sell the product to fans. This view is partly informed by 2025, which was often considered a mundane year for the UFC, punctuated by underwhelming or peculiar matchups. The booking of early 2026's numbered cards suggests drive from the UFC leadership, yet two of the three headline fights have been perceived as uninspired.
Ultimately, one immutable fact remains in combat sports: if the fighters—the most crucial participants—deliver exceptional performances inside the octagon, all external criticism and noise will be overwhelmed by the ecstatic reactions of the fans. The success of UFC 325, strange as its premise may be, will be decided not by promotional narratives, but by the action in the ring.
