If you were to build a fight in a laboratory designed solely to steal the show, it would look exactly like the UFC 325 co-main event. On February 1, 2026, the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney will host a lightweight collision that promises absolute chaos: local hero Dan “The Hangman” Hooker defends his territory against France’s unrelenting Benoit “God of War” Saint Denis.
While the headline act of Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes 2 carries the championship stakes, the matchup between Hooker and Saint Denis carries something more visceral: a violence guarantee. For fans in Sydney and watching worldwide, this isn’t just a ranking battle; it is a clash of two of the most durable, forward-moving forces in the 155-pound division.
The Stakes: Sydney’s Son vs. The French Special Forces
To understand why this fight is the frontrunner for “Fight of the Night,” you have to look at the road both men traveled to get here. The lightweight division is a shark tank, and both Hooker and Saint Denis have spent the last 12 months swimming with the biggest predators.
Dan Hooker (Ranked #6) enters this bout with a point to prove. After a career-reviving win over Mateusz Gamrot at UFC 305 in Perth, Hooker looked poised for one final title run. However, his momentum hit a wall in November 2025 against the current #1 contender, Arman Tsarukyan. That submission loss in Qatar was a setback, but Hooker has made a career out of bouncing back from adversity. Fighting in Sydney—practically a home game for the Kiwi—Hooker knows that a win here keeps him relevant in the title picture. A loss, however, could permanently relegate him to “gatekeeper” status.
Benoit Saint Denis (Ranked #8) is on a completely different trajectory. After a learning-experience loss to Dustin Poirier and a doctor-stoppage setback against Renato Moicano in 2024, the “God of War” rebuilt himself with terrifying efficiency in 2025. He rattled off three consecutive wins, capped by a stunning 16-second knockout of veteran Beneil Dariush at UFC 322. The Frenchman is no longer just a grappler with endless cardio; he is a refined finisher who believes he is ready for the Top 5.
Technical Breakdown: The Knee vs. The Body Kick
Styles make fights, and this particular pairing is a tactical nightmare for both men. The analysis comes down to two key factors: distance management and durability.
1. The Southpaw Pressure
Saint Denis fights out of a southpaw stance and is arguably the most aggressive starter in the division. His background in the French Army Special Forces (SAS) translates into his fighting style: he imposes his will immediately. Against orthodox fighters, BSD loves to hammer the left body kick—a weapon that has historically troubled tall, lean fighters like Hooker (recall the Edson Barboza fight).
Saint Denis does not wait. He crashes the distance to force a clinch or a takedown, turning the fight into a grueling dogfight. His goal will be to pin Hooker against the fence, neutralizing the Kiwi’s reach advantage.
2. The “Hangman” Trap
Dan Hooker thrives when opponents try to rush him. He is one of the best in the world at timing intercepting knees up the middle. When a wrestler changes levels or a striker lunges in, Hooker’s knee is often waiting for their chin. This was the exact weapon that hurt Gilbert Burns and knocked out Ross Pearson.
For Hooker, the key is to stay off the fence. If he can keep the fight at kickboxing range, his jab and calf kicks can pick Saint Denis apart. Hooker is also deceptively difficult to hold down, as Mateusz Gamrot discovered. If Saint Denis cannot secure the takedown, he will be forced to trade strikes with a man who went 25 minutes with Dustin Poirier in one of the greatest brawls of all time.
Why It screams “Fight of the Night”
We use the term “war” loosely in MMA, but this matchup fits the definition perfectly. Here is why fans are circling this bout on the UFC schedule:
- Durability: Both men have legendary chins. Hooker survived barrages from Poirier and Barboza that would have folded normal humans. Saint Denis walked through fire against Frevola and Moicano. It will likely take a catastrophic blow to finish this fight.
- Pace: Saint Denis does not know how to fight slowly. His “pedal to the metal” approach forces opponents to work at an uncomfortable heart rate. Hooker, however, has proven 5-round cardio. If BSD cannot finish it in the first round, does he fade? Or has his 2025 run shown a more measured “God of War”?
- The Crowd: Australian crowds are notoriously loud. When Hooker walks out, the energy in Qudos Bank Arena will be deafening. This environment often pushes fighters to take risks they wouldn’t take in the quiet UFC Apex. Hooker will feed off that energy, perhaps tempting him into a brawl—which is exactly what Saint Denis wants.
The “Sydney” Factor
Fighting “Down Under” brings unique variables. For Saint Denis, it involves a massive travel adjustment and fighting in hostile territory. For Hooker, it brings the pressure of expectation. The City Kickboxing team (CKB) will be out in force, likely with Israel Adesanya and Kai Kara-France cageside.
Historically, CKB fighters perform exceptionally well in Australia/New Zealand cards. They understand the acclimatization better than anyone. Saint Denis must ensure his travel schedule allows him to peak at the right hour, or he risks looking sluggish against a sharp, energized Hooker.
Prediction: Who Leaves with the Win?
This fight is a coin flip, which is what makes it so compelling. The oddsmakers have opened with Saint Denis as a slight favorite (-130) due to his recent destructive form and youth advantage.
However, Dan Hooker is the more technical striker. If he survives the early storm—the first 3 minutes where Saint Denis is most dangerous—he can take over the fight with his jab and body work. The danger for Hooker is the body damage; if Saint Denis lands those left kicks to the liver early, it could compromise Hooker’s movement.
Prediction: Expect a chaotic first round where Saint Denis lands big shots and secures a takedown. Hooker survives, returns to his feet, and begins to land clean counters in Round 2. In a 3-round fight, the urgency will be high. We predict a Split Decision victory, with the winner determined by who lands the more damaging shots in the final frame.
Conclusion
Whether you are a fan of technical striking or pure grit, UFC 325: Hooker vs. Saint Denis is unmissable. It represents the old guard refusing to yield and the new guard trying to burn the gates down. Tune in early, because this co-main event might just steal the thunder from the champions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When and where is UFC 325 taking place?
UFC 325 is scheduled for Sunday, February 1, 2026 (local time) in Sydney, Australia. The event will be held at the Qudos Bank Arena. For viewers in the US and Europe, the main card will air on Saturday night/Sunday morning.
Who is in the main event of UFC 325?
The main event features the featherweight championship rematch between Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes. Hooker vs. Saint Denis serves as the co-main event or featured bout.
What is Benoit Saint Denis’ military background?
Before his UFC career, Benoit Saint Denis served in the French Army Special Forces (1st Marine Infantry Parachute Regiment) for five years. He was deployed in combat operations in Mali against terrorist groups, earning him the nickname “God of War.”
Is Dan Hooker retiring after this fight?
No, Dan Hooker has stated he intends to make one final run at the lightweight title. Despite his long career, he believes his recent form (3 wins in his last 4 fights) proves he can still compete with the elite of the division.
