Sports
UFC 325 Salaries For Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes
Just seven days after Justin Gaethje’s victory over Paddy Pimblett, the UFC was back with another numbered event on Saturday night. UFC 325 saw Alexander Volkanovski defend his featherweight championship against Diego Lopes in a rematch of their first encounter from last April at UFC 314.
While that contest took place in Miami, Florida, this time Alexander ‘The Great’ enjoyed home advantage as the Octagon travelled to Sydney, Australia. Although UFC legend Volkanovski was a major draw for the locals, the card also featured a scrap between top lightweight contenders.
Dan Hooker met Benoit Saint-Denis in the co-main event. Both men were hoping to take one step closer to a shot at gold at 155 pounds, whether that be against interim champion Gaethje or full titleholder Ilia Topuria.
Below is a look at all the action from the major bouts at UFC 325, together with the salaries for selected fighters on the card.
Volkanovski Battled Past Lopes to Retain the UFC Featherweight Championship
Less than a year after they last collided for UFC gold, Volkanovski and Lopes renewed their rivalry at Qudos Bank Arena. The Australian hadn’t fought since his unanimous decision victory in the first fight, while Brazilian Lopes earned another shot at the title following his vicious spinning back elbow stoppage of Jean Silva in September.
At 37 years old, time should theoretically be catching up with Volkanovski. The lighter weight classes are notoriously tough on older fighters as the strain of cutting weight takes its toll.
However, if the 31-year-old Lopes was supposed to make his relative youth count, he didn’t manage it on Saturday night. If anything, Volkanovski delivered an even more comprehensive victory in front of his adoring home faithful.
Although Lopes had his moments, ‘Volk’ controlled much of the action with his superior footwork. When the pair did exchange shots, it was more often than not Volkanovski who had the last word.
Even when the challenger knocked Alex down in the third round, he couldn’t take advantage and the champion was soon back to dominating proceedings. Knowing he needed a finish to take the title, Lopes went for broke in the first stages, but failed to make any real impression, as Volkanovski ended the bout in top position. It was a fitting way for his homecoming to end.
Volkanovski took the win via unanimous decision on the judges’ scorecards (49-46, 49-46, 50-45). The triumph saw him secure his eighth win in UFC featherweight title fights, equalling the record held by the legendary Jose Aldo.
Alex will now look to become the outright record holder in his next outing, while it is difficult to see Lopes getting another championship opportunity as long as Volkanovski holds the title.
Benoit Saint Denis Demolishes Dan Hooker at UFC 325
Australian fans were promised fireworks when New Zealand’s Hooker met France’s Saint Denis in the three-round co-main. Instead, they witnessed a savage one-sided beatdown with ‘BSD’ announcing himself as a main player at lightweight.
‘Hangman’ had reason to be optimistic early as he almost secured a guillotine choke in the opening round. However, Saint Denis survived and would make Hooker pay for not finishing the fight in the second round.
The beginning of the end for Hooker came when ‘God of War’ reversed a takedown attempt, leaving the Kiwi vulnerable. Saint Denis landed with vicious elbows, before looking for an arm-triangle choke.
Hooker managed to avoid being submitted, but the end wasn’t far away as he continued to absorb punishment. Ultimately, the referee was forced to step in at 4:45 of the second round with the downed fighter unable to defend himself. The victory is the biggest of Saint Denis’ career by some distance and puts him in line for major fights later in the year.
UFC 325 Fighter Earnings
The victorious Volkanovski banked the most money over any fighter on the UFC 325 card. He took home $2,692,000, which is almost double what he earned for his first win over Lopes.
Although he will be devastated to have lost once again, Diego will at least have the consolation of a seven-figure payday following his defeat. The $1,632,000 he earned is just under a $1 million increase over what he made at UFC 314.
Despite suffering a damaging loss in the co-main event, Hooker ($421,000) made significantly more than Saint Denis ($286,000). The Frenchman will likely receive a bump in pay next time out, though, after his star-making performance.
|
Other UFC 325 salaries (selected) |
|
|---|---|
|
Fighter |
Estimated total payout |
|
Dan Hooker |
$421,000 |
|
Benoit Saint Denis |
$286,000 |
|
Tai Tuivasa |
$215,000 |
|
Cody Brundage |
$215,000 |
|
Jacob Malkoun |
$176,000 |
|
Mauricio Ruffy |
$164,500 |
|
Jamie Mullarkey |
$161,000 |
|
Rafael Fiziev |
$110,000 |
|
Billy Elekana |
$81,000 |
|
Junior Tafa |
$65,000 |
|
Quillan Salkilld |
$60,000 |
|
Keiichiro Nakamura |
$53,000 |
|
Tallison Teixeira |
$52,000 |
|
Oban Elliott |
$34,500 |
|
Torrez Finney |
$24,000 |
|
Sebastian Szalay |
$16,000 |
When is the Next Major UFC Event?
After being treated to two numbered events in as many weeks, there’s now just over a month until UFC 326 on Saturday the 7th of March. The main event will almost certainly be worth the wait, though, as Max Holloway defends his BMF Title against Charles Oliveira in a contest that could well be a Fight of the Year contender.
Neither man is likely to take a backward step at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Only one man can take home the BMF crown, but both men will be determined to put on a show in Sin City.
Sports
‘Deal On’ – Fabrizio Romano: Tottenham Pushing to Sign Sandro Tonali
Tottenham Hotspur are pushing to complete an agreement to sign Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali, with Fabrizio Romano issuing the latest update on a deal in recent hours.
Tottenham chiefs have gone into overdrive since the Premier League season ended in survival on the final day, with the club determined to ensure they aren’t involved in a relegation battle again anytime soon.
Spurs have been the busiest Premier League club in the summer transfer window to date, already announcing the signings of Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi on free transfers, while they have also reached a full agreement with Brighton and Hove Albion to sign Netherlands international centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke in a deal worth £52m.
The defence has been significantly strengthened, with Roberto De Zerbi further boosted by the news that Pedro Porro has committed his long-term future to the north London outfit.
Now, De Zerbi wants Tottenham officials to make a big splash in central midfield too, with David Ornstein reporting this week that the Italian wants to land both Tonali from Newcatle and West Ham United star Mateus Fernandes.
Talks also continue over a deal to sign Joao Palhinha on a permanent basis following his loan spell from Bayern Munich.
Romano: ‘Deal On’ for Tonali to Join Tottenham
While interest in signing Fernandes from West Ham has emerged, there is no doubt that Tonali remains De Zerbi’s top target as he looks to make a statement signing for Tottenham’s engine room.
Many may have thought that it was an unlikely deal when the news was first confirmed, but Spurs are making a serious push for the Italy international, who is also a target for Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United, with the ‘world-class’ 26-year-old open to joining to link up with De Zerbi.
Romano has confirmed that it is ‘deal on’ for Tonali to Tottenham as he provided the latest update on the deal via his YouTube channel overnight.
He said: “Tottenham are working on a deal for Sandro Tonali. Tottenham are aware of the player being open to joining.
“That was my message, and that remains my message. I keep telling you about Tonali and Tottenham. Should anything change, I will come here and update you. But as of today, we are entering into the weekend, I keep telling you Sandro Tonali and Tottenham, wanted by Roberto De Zerbi in talks. So, deal on Tottenham, Sandro Tonali. That’s the understanding, that’s the story.”
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Tottenham Want to Complete Seven Signings
The signs are that Tottenham and ENIC aren’t messing around this summer, and it is a notion that has been backed up by reliable Spurs source Paul O’Keefe.
He claims that the north London outfit want to complete seven signings this summer, to give De Zerbi the strongest squad possible next season to really try and compete towards the top of the Premier League table again.
Tottenham have already signed the defenders they wanted to get, but now they want to add at least one central midfielder, according to O’Keefe, while they also want a left-winger, right-winger and a new centre-forward.
Tottenham have been in talks to try and secure a player for the former in Savinho from Manchester City.
Sports
Iran Launch Official FIFA Complaint Over Treatment
Iran played out a 2-2 draw with New Zealand in their opening Group G fixture at this summer’s World Cup, but the result in Los Angeles was overshadowed by frustrations away from the pitch.
Instead of a routine recovery and build-up to their next game, talk soon turned to how the team has been treated logistically since arriving, with them already switching their training base to Mexico, despite all of their group matches being in the United States, just weeks before the tournament started.
Iran Claim World Cup Training Camp Has Been Moved From Planned US, Arizona, Location
FIFA has reportedly approved the move.
It’s a tournament Iran arrived at already under the spotlight, with the team having been at the centre of plenty of politically charged discussions before the World Cup, following recent conflict in the Middle East. Concerns have since grown inside the camp about scheduling decisions made with little input from the Iranian side, leaving players and staff increasingly unhappy with how things have been handled.
Iran Boss Hits Out at Travel Demands
Head coach Amir Ghalenoei didn’t hold back when discussing the situation. Iran had been informed they had to fly straight back to their training base in Tijuana immediately after the New Zealand match, rather than staying overnight for a recovery session as originally planned.
“We’ve been asked to get on a plane and return to our camp in Tijuana and we are really troubled by that, they are forcing us to go back early. They are making the situation more and more difficult, more hurdles, but we’re not going to let that stop us from doing our best.”
What FIFA ‘Forced’ Iran to Do After World Cup Opener as Infantino Visits Dressing Room
Iran played their first game at the 2026 World Cup in the United States of America, but were given clear instructions after the whistle.
He went further, branding Iran “the most oppressed” team at the entire World Cup:
“I think our team is the most oppressed one in the whole World Cup. Our federation isn’t here, our media isn’t here, our management isn’t here.”
Federation Confirms Formal Complaint
It has since emerged that Iran will only be allowed to land in Los Angeles 24 hours before their game against Belgium, despite requesting extra time to arrive given the match kicks off at midday.
A spokesperson said: “The football federation of Iran believes that such restrictions are inconsistent with the principle of providing equal conditions for all participating teams and may negatively affect teams’ preparation processes.”
“Consequently, the federation will formally express its dissatisfaction and lodge an official complaint with FIFA through the appropriate channels.”
They went on to say that despite the complaint and the limitations on their travel, Iran will continue as instructed in their preparation for their match with the Belgians.
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Man Utd Given Green Light to Sign Crysencio Summerville
Manchester United have got the green light to complete a deal for West Ham United winger Crysencio Summerville, as further details emerge from journalist Shaun Irvine.
Man United‘s main focus in this summer transfer window has been on ensuring they have a strong midfield ahead of their return to the Champions League next season, with that area of the pitch the one that needed the most work.
With Casemiro leaving and Manuel Ugarte expected to go too following an underwhelming two-year spell at Old Trafford, Kobbie Mainoo would be left as one of the only specialist senior players in central midfield.
Captain Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount can play there if needed, but they are much better suited to playing further forward in the No.10 position.
United have already bolstered the position with one completed deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson, who will seal his move to Old Trafford once he returns from the 2026 World Cup with Brazil.
The Red Devils are now pursuing West Ham United star Mateus Fernandes as they look to add another player to their engine room, while some reports have suggested they could even bring in a third midfielder too.
United are looking at other positions on the pitch too, including in attack.
Summerville’s Agent Gives Green Light to Man United
GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed all summer that United are looking to add a left-sided attacker to their squad this summer, and a move is likely to ramp up should Marcus Rashford complete a switch away from Old Trafford.
The Red Devils have been linked with players such as Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande and AC Milan’s Rafael Leao in recent weeks, with Michael Carrick and director of football Jason Wilcox known to be big fans of the former in particular.
However, a new name has emerged recently in Mateus Fernandes’ West Ham teammate Summerville.
Like Fernandes, the Netherlands international is said to have no intention of playing in the Championship after the Irons were relegated, with the player reportedly valued at £50m by the east London outfit.
According to the United source, posting on X, the World Cup star’s agent has given the green light to United to complete a move, with personal terms being no issue.
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Man United Could Seal £120m Double Deal
The Telegraph have reported that United are ready to launch a £120m double transfer raid on West Ham to land two of their top summer targets.
With the Irons valuing their Portuguese star at between £80-85m and Summerville at £50m, it seems unlikely that a bid of £120m would be accepted by the Hammers, who are determined to remain strong on their valuation, unless it included a significant amount upfront.
Fernandes’ quality has been there for all to see at West Ham and Southampton in the last two seasons, and the thought of him linking up with compatriot Bruno at Old Trafford is mouthwatering.
Meanwhile, Summerville has often played from the left for the Irons, but he showcased his versatility by scoring a fine goal from the right for the Netherlands at the World Cup.
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