The UFC’s first international event of 2026 continues to take shape, with multiple high-profile lightweight matchups added to UFC 325, scheduled for January 31 at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney and streaming globally on Paramount+.
During Saturday’s UFC 323 broadcast, officials confirmed two major additions: Dan Hooker vs. Benoit Saint Denis in the co-main event and a featured lightweight bout between Rafael Fiziev and Mauricio Ruffy.
Hooker Makes Quick Return vs. Red-Hot Saint Denis
Fresh off a submission loss to Arman Tsarukyan in November. New Zealand’s Dan Hooker (24-13, 14-9 UFC) is wasting no time getting back into the cage. He’ll meet France’s surging Benoit Saint Denis (16-3, 8-3 UFC). Who has positioned himself as one of the division’s most dangerous rising contenders.
Saint Denis enters the bout riding a three-fight winning streak. Highlighted by a thunderous 16-second knockout of Beneil Dariush at UFC 322 one of the most explosive finishes of 2025.
The matchup pits Hooker’s veteran craft and durability against Saint Denis’ relentless pressure and finishing ability, setting the stage for a pivotal lightweight co-main event.
Fiziev Returns in Featured Lightweight Clash With Ruffy
Former title contender Rafael Fiziev (13-4, 7-4 UFC) will make his first appearance since his rematch loss to Justin Gaethje in March, taking on Brazilian prospect Mauricio Ruffy (12-2, 3-1 UFC).
Ruffy aims to rebound after suffering a submission defeat to Saint Denis in September. While Fiziev is seeking to reestablish himself among the elite following back-to-back setbacks.
Stylistically, it’s a can’t-miss matchup: Fiziev’s elite striking vs. Ruffy’s speed, creativity, and explosiveness.
Updated UFC 325 Lineup
Main Event Featherweight Title Bout
• Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes
Co-Main Event Lightweight Bout
• Dan Hooker vs. Benoit Saint Denis
Featured Lightweight Bout
• Rafael Fiziev vs. Mauricio Ruffy
Additional Bouts
• Jimmy Crute vs. Dustin Jacoby
• Tallison Teixeira vs. Tai Tuivasa
• Quillan Salkilld vs. Rong Zhu
• Ante Delija vs. Serghei Spivac
• Oban Elliott vs. Jonathan Micallef
• Kaan Ofli vs. Yi Zha
• Billy Elekana vs. Junior Tafa
• Cody Brundage vs. Cam Rowston
• Torrez Finney vs. Jacob Malkoun
More bouts are expected to be announced in the coming weeks as the promotion finalizes the first major international card of 2026.
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Robert LaMar is a writer for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
