UFC 325’s early prelims feature an intriguing featherweight matchup between Kaan Ofli and Yi Zha. This technical battle pits the Australian-based Turkish fighter against the Chinese grappling specialist in what promises to be a chess match on the canvas. The bout takes place at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia.
Ofli brings home-base advantage fighting out of Australia with solid defensive skills and grinding capabilities. Yi Zha enters as a -210 favorite, with Ofli at +170 as the underdog. This fight could determine which fighter earns an opportunity on a main card.
Here’s how we’re betting UFC 325: Ofli vs Yi Zha, including our UFC predictions, best bet, key props and an expert final verdict.
Mini Fight Info Strip
Event: UFC 325 – Qudos Bank Arena
Weight class: UFC Featherweight bout
Fight length: 3-round early prelim bout
Date & time: Saturday, January 31, 2026 – Early prelims 5:30 p.m. ET, walk time ~07:00 p.m. ET
Venue: Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney, Australia
Best Bet Card
Best Bet: Yi Zha by Decision (+130)
Book: Best price at FanDuel
Our best bet for this featherweight prelim is Yi Zha by decision at +130. Below, we’ll break down the matchup and key props.
Get up to $1,500 Back in Bonus Bets
21+. AZ/CO/IL/IN/IA/KS/LA/MD/MA/MI/NJ/OH/PA/TN/ VA/WV/WY only. Offer not available in DC/MS/NV/NY/PR. New customers only. Qualifying deposit (min $10) and first real money wager required. If qualifying bet settles as a loss, user is refunded 100% in non-withdrawable bonus bets up to $1,500. Full T&Cs can be found on betmgm.com.
Kaan Ofli vs Yi Zha Odds
Here are the latest odds from top sportsbooks.
MarketBetMGMFanDuelBest OddsMoneylineOfli +170 / Yi Zha -210Ofli +164 / Yi Zha -215Ofli +170 (BetMGM)Fight Goes Distance-200-174-174 (FD)Fight Doesn’t Go Distance+150+136+150 (BetMGM)Total Rounds O/U 2.5NAOver -215 / Under +166Under +166 (FD)Ofli by KO/TKO+1400+1200+1400 (BetMGM)Ofli by Submission+800+700+800 (BetMGM)Ofli by Decision+300+350+350 (FD)Yi Zha by KO/TKO+900+900+900 (BetMGM/FD)Yi Zha by Submission+350+420+420 (FD)Yi Zha by Decision+100+130+130 (FD)
Odds updated: January 29, 2026 – 6:20 AM ET. Lines may move before fight night, especially after weigh-ins or late injury news.
Tale of the Tape – Key Stats to Know
Before we get into the matchup, here’s a Tale of the Tape for Ofli vs Yi Zha.
Tale Of The TapeKaan OfliYi ZhaRecord13-4-126-5Age3128Height5’7″5’7″Reach66″71″StanceOrthodoxOrthodoxSig. Strikes Landed1.792.97Striking Accuracy46%45%Takedowns0.613.51Takedown Defense0%54%Submission Avg.0.61.1
Yi Zha holds advantages in striking volume, reach, takedown offense, takedown defense, and submission attempts. Ofli counters with superior striking defense and absorbs less damage. The orthodox vs orthodox matchup creates symmetrical striking, but Yi Zha’s grappling volume and reach advantage can make a huge difference in the fight.
Fighter Breakdown – Kaan Ofli Analysis
Ofli comes in with a 13-4-1 record fighting out of Australia. The 31 year old is a defensive-minded grinder who relies on toughness and durability rather than explosive offense.
Strengths: Excellent striking defense (60%) limits clean shots landed. Low damage absorption rate shows defensive awareness. Durable and tough with ability to survive adversity. Fighting out of Australia provides home-base advantage. Decent submission threat (0.6 attempts per fight).
Weaknesses: Extremely low striking output (1.79 per minute) creates minimal offensive threat. 0% takedown defense. Minimal wrestling offense (0.61 attempts) makes him one-dimensional. Massive 5-inch reach disadvantage creates range problems. Age 31 without elite credentials. Faces superior grappler with 3.51 takedowns per fight.
Betting Angles: Ofli’s +170 moneyline offers value only if his defensive skills frustrate Yi Zha’s offense. Ofli by Decision (+350) is the only realistic path requiring defensive masterclass. Fight goes the distance (-174) appeals as well.
Fighter Breakdown – Yi Zha Analysis
Yi Zha brings a 26-5 record with extensive experience in Chinese MMA circuits. The 28 year old Chinese fighter is a well-rounded grappler with superior physical tools and wrestling credentials.
Strengths: Superior striking volume controls pace. Elite takedown offense with strong wrestling. Massive 5-inch reach advantage creates range control. Dangerous submission game (1.1 attempts per fight). Young at 28 years old. Extensive experience with 31 total fights. Solid takedown defense (54%) against grapplers. Well-rounded skillset without major holes.
Weaknesses: Poor striking defense leaves openings for counters. Absorbs 2.81 strikes per minute. Limited UFC experience shows lack of octagon time. Lower striking accuracy than elite featherweights. Takedown accuracy only 30% despite high volume means efficiency needs improvement. Unknown ceiling against top competition.
Betting Angles: Yi Zha’s -210 moneyline offers minimal value despite clear advantages. Yi Zha by Decision (+130) is our best bet given Ofli’s durability and defensive skills forcing grinding pace. Yi Zha by Submission (+420) offers excellent value if grappling dominance produces finish.
Best Bets For Kaan Ofli vs Yi Zha
Best Bet: Yi Zha by Decision (+130)
Yi Zha’s superior striking volume, elite takedown offense, and 5 inch reach advantage should dominate every round without finding a finish. Ofli’s 60% striking defense and low damage absorption combined with proven durability across 18 fights suggests he survives to the final bell.
Ofli’s 0% takedown defense against Yi Zha’s 3.51 attempts per fight means inevitable wrestling control, but Ofli’s toughness should prevent the stoppage. At +130 (implied 43.5%), we project this outcome closer to 50%, offering good value as the most likely result in a grinding technical battle.
Value Prop: Fight Goes the Distance (-174)
Both fighters show limited finishing ability. Ofli lands just 1.79 strikes per minute while Yi Zha’s 30% takedown accuracy and moderate striking suggest a point-fighting approach. Neither fighter has explosive knockout power, and submission attempts (1.1 for Yi Zha, 0.6 for Ofli) are infrequent.
Ofli’s durability and defensive awareness keep him safe, while Yi Zha’s wrestling control grinds out rounds without finishes. At -174 (implied 63.5%), we project this goes three rounds around 70% of the time, making it solid value.
Bet $5 Win $300 in Bonus Bets
21+ and present in AZ/CO/CT/IA/IL/IN/KS/LA (permitted parishes only) /MA/MD/MI/NJ/NY/OH/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY. Minimum $10 first deposit required. Promotion Bonus will be credited to your account within 72 hours settlement of Qualifying Wager. First online real money wager only (minimum $5). Bonus issued as non-withdrawable bonus bets that expires in 14 days. Bonus bets and NFL Sunday Ticket code will be issued within 72 hours of bet placement. See full terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com.
Longshot Flier: Yi Zha by Submission (+420)
Small stake only. Yi Zha’s 1.1 submission attempts per fight combined with Ofli’s 0% takedown defense creates inevitable grappling exchanges. Once Yi Zha establishes top control, late submission opportunities emerge as Ofli tires from defending takedowns.
Yi Zha has shown submission skills in his extensive career, and Ofli’s limited ground game could be exploited in round 3. At +420 (implied 19.2%), this offers excellent payout if the grappling dominance produces a tap-out finish. Keep stakes at 0.25 units maximum.
Prediction – Final Verdict
Official pick: Yi Zha by Unanimous Decision
We are backing Yi Zha to secure a dominant unanimous decision victory, likely 30-27 on all scorecards in a one-sided showcase. The Chinese fighter’s superior wrestling, striking volume, and reach advantage should prove decisive over three rounds without finding a finish.
Yi Zha should win all three rounds with consistent takedowns, top control, and volume striking from range. His 3.51 takedowns per fight against Ofli’s 0% takedown defense means wrestling control, where Yi Zha accumulates ground strikes and control time. When standing, Yi Zha’s 5 inch reach advantage and superior volume (2.97 vs 1.79) keep Ofli at distance.
Ofli’s 60% striking defense and durability should prevent the finish, surviving to the final bell through toughness rather than offensive success. The Australian most likely won’t be able to threaten with his minimal output, making this a completely one-sided technical domination.
How to Bet UFC 325: Tips for This Card
Beyond this featherweight prelim grinder, UFC 325 offers several compelling matchups that create both opportunities and traps for bettors.
Card Tips:
- Takedown defense matters. Ofli’s 0% takedown defense against Yi Zha’s 3.51 attempts per fight creates guaranteed wrestling control. When defensive stats are this lopsided, trust the grappler.
- Diego Lopes showed improved striking against Jean Silva with spinning elbow knockout. His evolution makes him dangerous, but nine months may not be enough time to close the gap against Alexander Volkanovski ..
- Tai Tuivasa’s streak can’t be ignored. Five straight knockout losses with deteriorating defense makes him extremely vulnerable. Don’t bet on nostalgia or home-country advantage against superior opponent.
UFC 325 Fight Card
Main Card (09:30 p.m. ET – Paramount+)
Alexander Volkanovski (c) vs Diego Lopes – UFC Featherweight Championship, 5 rounds
Dan Hooker vs Benoit Saint-Denis – Lightweight bout, 3 rounds
Rafael Fiziev vs Mauricio Ruffy – Lightweight bout, 3 rounds
Tai Tuivasa vs Tallison Teixeira – Heavyweight bout, 3 rounds
Quillan Salkilld vs Jamie Mullarkey – Lightweight bout, 3 rounds
Prelims (7:30 p.m. ET – Paramount+)
Justin Tafa vs Billy Elekana – Heavyweight bout, 3 rounds
Cam Rowston vs Cody Brundage – Middleweight bout, 3 rounds
Jacob Malkoun vs Torrez Finney – Middleweight bout, 3 rounds
Jonathan Micallef vs Oban Elliott – Welterweight bout, 3 rounds
Early Prelims (5:30 p.m. ET – Paramount+)
Kaan Ofli vs Yi Zha – Featherweight bout, 3 rounds
Kim Sang-wook vs Dom Mar Fan – Lightweight bout, 3 rounds
Keiichiro Nakamura vs Sebastian Szalay – Featherweight bout, 3 rounds
Sulangrangbo vs Lawrence Lui – Bantamweight bout, 3 rounds
Aaron Tau vs Namsrai Batbayar – Flyweight bout, 3 rounds
Odds current as of January 29, 2026.
(Image Credit: William Purnell – Imagn Images)
mma
I am a dedicated MMA and Boxing content writer at The Playoffs. I was instantly hooked on MMA after watching the fight between Lyoto Machida vs. Gegard Mousasi back in 2014, and since then, i have been an avid writer with a deep love for the sport and its techniques, providing readers with a thorough understanding of the sport. My favorite aspect of working at The Playoffs is the creative freedom it provides. The diverse range of topics, from listicles and SEO to news articles, keeps me engaged and motivates me to continuously improve my skills! I aim to capture the excitement of the combat sports world in my writing, acting as the middleman between fighters and their die-hard fans. It is kind of like a referee, but with words!
Read more
