MMA Match Preview: Dan Hooker (24-13) vs. Benoit Saint Denis (16-3-0, 1 NC)
The lightweight co-main event of UFC 325 features a high-stakes clash between New Zealand’s Dan “The Hangman” Hooker (24-13-0) and France’s Benoit “God of War” Saint-Denis (16-3-0, 1 NC), as Hooker seeks to leverage his veteran savvy and recent bounce-back momentum against the surging Saint-Denis, who enters with a string of impressive finishes. This 3-round bout serves as a potential title eliminator, pitting Hooker’s durable chin and striking volume against Saint-Denis’ explosive power and grappling threats. Expect a fast-paced war that could end in a highlight-reel knockout if Saint-Denis lands early or grind into a decision if Hooker’s experience prevails in the later rounds.
Venue Location
The fight will be held at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. This 21,000-capacity multi-purpose arena, formerly known as Sydney SuperDome, is a staple for UFC events in the region, renowned for its electric atmosphere and passionate local crowds, especially for fighters like Hooker with ties to the area.
Ring walks are scheduled for 9:00 PM ET (6:00 PM PT / 1:00 PM AEDT local time on February 1). As the co-main event, cage walks for Hooker vs. Saint-Denis are expected around 10:00-11:00 PM ET (7:00-8:00 PM PT / 2:00-3:00 PM AEDT on February 1). The event airs live on ESPN+ and UFC Fight Pass in the US, with international streaming available.
Injury Report
No injuries have been reported for either fighter leading into UFC 325. Both completed full training camps without publicized setbacks. Hooker has a history of durability but emphasized recovery from his 2025 submission loss in interviews, with no lingering effects noted. Saint-Denis has no recent injury history and enters in peak condition after a strong 2025 run.
Dan Hooker:
No active injuries; fully recovered from any prior wear and cleared for action.
Benoit Saint-Denis:
No reported issues; durable with no setbacks in his recent streak.
Fighter Matchups
This lightweight co-main event contrasts Hooker’s veteran experience and volume striking with Saint-Denis’ youth, power, and grappling, creating a high-level clash at 155 pounds.
Dan Hooker (age 35, 6’0″, 75.5″ reach, orthodox): A durable veteran with excellent cardio, Hooker excels in volume striking, body work, and clinch control. His style suits wearing down opponents with pace, but recent losses highlight vulnerabilities to power punchers and grapplers. Weaknesses include a suspect chin post-prime and occasional overextension.
Benoit Saint-Denis (age 30, 5’11”, 73″ reach, orthodox): A dynamic finisher with strong grappling and knockout power, Saint-Denis thrives in transitions and chaotic exchanges. His 81% finish rate (11 KO/TKO, 6 subs) shows versatility, but he can be outboxed if drawn into stand-up wars. Weaknesses include occasional wildness leading to counters.
Key Stylistic Clash: Hooker’s volume and cardio vs. Saint-Denis’ power and grappling. Hooker must dictate range with his jab and avoid brawls; Saint-Denis needs to close distance for takedowns or heavy shots.
Strengths/Weaknesses: Hooker’s experience (37 fights) and home-crowd energy favor him in a grind; Saint-Denis’ youth and recent finishes offer upset potential if he connects early.
X-Factor: Home advantage for Hooker in Sydney could boost his pace; if Saint-Denis exploits any age-related decline, his finishing shines.
Recent Form
Hooker has rebounded with a quick win, while Saint-Denis enters on a strong streak.
Dan Hooker (Last 5: L W L L W):
Recent: Submission loss to Tsarukyan (R2 arm-triangle at UFC Qatar), prior wins showing resilience.
Form Notes: 2 wins in last 5; durable but chin concerns post-prime.
Benoit Saint-Denis (Last 5: W W W W W):
Recent: 5 straight wins with 4 finishes (KO/TKO and subs).
Form Notes: Dominant streak; versatile finishing.
| Fighter | Last 5 Record | Finish % | Avg. Rounds Last 5 | Key Stat |
| Dan Hooker | L W L L W | 46% | 3.2 | Veteran resilience |
| Benoit Saint-Denis | W W W W W | 81% | 2.0 | Streak finisher |
Fight History
This is the first meeting between Hooker and Saint-Denis, with no prior head-to-head or shared opponents. Hooker’s path includes wins over Max Holloway (split), while Saint-Denis has notable finishes against Thiago Moises. A fresh matchup for both in lightweight.
FIGHT ODDS
Dan Hooker + 260
Benoit Saint Denis – 320
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 30, 2026
