Alexander Volkanovski puts his UFC featherweight title on the line against Diego Lopes at UFC 325. The event takes place at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia on Saturday (Sunday local time).
It marks the UFC’s second consecutive week with a numbered event on Paramount+. Last week’s event exceeded Paramount’s expectations and was a massive success.
Volkanovski enters the main event aiming to make his first successful title defense in his second reign as featherweight champion. He won the vacant title after earning a unanimous decision win over Lopes at UFC 314 last year.
Lopes, meanwhile, aims to avenge his loss to Volkanovski and capitalize on his second chance at UFC gold. Despite Lopes having fought more recently, Volkanovski enters UFC 325 as the betting favorite.
UFC 325: Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes Betting Odds
Alexander Volkanovski stands as a slight favorite over Diego Lopes on the latest UFC 325 betting lines.
According to FanDuel Sportsbook, Volkanovski enters at -154 to retain his featherweight title. A $20 wager on ‘The Great’ win would return a total payout of $32.99.
Lopes, the current No. 2 ranked UFC featherweight, sits at +120. A $20 wager on him would yield a total payout of $44 if he avenges his loss and dethrones Volkanovski.
Lopes enters the fight having most recently defeated Jean Silva by unanimous decision at Noche UFC last September. It was a great bounce back performance, as he solidified himself as a top contender at 145 pounds.
However, Volkanovski, an accomplished veteran, enters the rematch knowing he is capable of defeating Lopes. Since they fought less than a year ago, the reigning featherweight champion has a good idea of what to expect.
Oddsmakers are expecting a long bout. Volkanovski is favored to win by decision at +165. They expect history to repeat itself and ‘The Great’ to be calculated with his approach.
For Lopes, his best path to victory is by KO/TKO, listed at +310. Given the favored outcome, oddsmakers are expecting the UFC 325 main event to go the distance.
The total rounds prop sits at 4.5 total rounds. Over 4.5 rounds stands at -106, while the under is listed at -122.
Surprisingly, the prop bet on the fight going the distance is currently listed at +106. In contrast, the fight not going the distance is set at -134.
UFC 325: Main Card Betting Odds
Beyond the featherweight title fight between Volkanovski and Lopes, UFC 325 features many Australians competing in their home country.
In lightweight action, Quillan Salkilld faces Jamie Mullarkey in the main card opener. Oddsmakers view this as a mismatch, with Salkilld entering as a heavy -1100 favorite. Mullarkey stands as a +600 underdog.
In heavyweight action, Tallison Teixeira faces Tai Tuisava. The Brazilian enters as a -330 favorite. Tuivasa, on the other hand, returns to the octagon after an 18 month layoff and stands as a +240 underdog.
Lightweight clash as No. 9 ranked Rafael Fiziev takes on No. 14 ranked Mauricio Ruffy. Fiziev enters as a +104 underdog, while Ruffy sits as at -132.
The co-main event features a lightweight clash between Dan Hooker and Benoit Saint Denis. Hooker aims to rebound from his submission loss to Arman Tsarukyan. Meanwhile, Saint Denis looks to extend his winning streak.
Saint Denis enters as a -340, while Hooker stands at +250.
UFC 325: Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes 2 Betting Odds