UFC 325: Volkanovski vs Lopes 2 is stacked with exciting fights, and one matchup that’s drawing attention on the preliminary card is Kaan Ofli vs Yi Zha in the featherweight division.
Both fighters bring unique tools and experience into the Octagon on January 31, 2026, at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia, which sets the stage for an intriguing showdown.
In this detailed fight breakdown, we examine each fighter’s strengths, weaknesses, recent form, and how this bout could unfold.
Fighter Profiles
Kaan Ofli – “Genghis”
- Record: 12-4-1 professional MMA record.
- Age: Born June 19, 1993 (32 years old).
- Height/Reach: 5’7″ with a 66″ reach.
- Stance & Style: Orthodoxy with a strong submission base and well-rounded skillset.
- Affiliation: Trains out of Melbourne, Australia at Absolute MMA & Conditioning.
Ofli has shown resilience throughout his career and has the ability to finish fights both on the mat and standing.
Half of his wins come by submission, highlighting his grappling prowess and adaptability once the fight hits the ground.
While his striking isn’t elite, it’s functional, and his grappling ensures he stays competitive deep into rounds.
Yi Zha – Rising Contender
- Record: 26-5-0 professional MMA record.
- Age: January 8, 1997 (29 years old).
- Height/Reach: 5’7″ height with a 71″ reach advantage.
- Gym: Represents Enbo Fight Club.
Yi Zha enters this fight with a notable experience edge. He’s competed considerably more often as a professional, which shows in his diverse finish methods and ability to control the pace of a fight.
Although his name isn’t yet mainstream in the UFC, his record speaks volumes: Zha is capable of winning by submission and strikes, with his balance of finishes indicating strong MMA fundamentals.
Comparing Strengths and Weaknesses
Striking and Reach
Reach is often a critical factor in featherweight bouts, and Zha’s 71″ reach gives him a clear advantage over Ofli’s 66″.
This extra range allows Zha to maintain distance, utilize kicks, and potentially frustrate Ofli with straight punches and jabs.
Despite this, Ofli’s disciplined striking and ability to close space could counter Zha’s range advantage if he slips inside effectively.
Both fighters throw with intent, but Zha has demonstrated a more varied striking attack across his career.
Grappling and Submissions
This is where Ofli’s game really shines. With 50 % of his wins coming by way of submission, Ofli has a legitimate threat once the fight hits the mat.
His grappling could pose problems for Zha if he can take him down and maintain top control. Zha himself isn’t a stranger to submissions, though, and half of his victories also come via grappling.
This sets up a fascinating chess match on the ground where submission defense and scramble ability will be key.
Experience and Fight IQ
While Ofli has shown flashes of high fight IQ and persistence, Zha’s larger body of work suggests a more seasoned professional.
Competing in 31 fights versus Ofli’s 17, Zha has experienced a variety of styles and strategies, giving him a broader toolkit when adjustments are needed.
Also, Zha’s recent work in the featherweight division shows steadiness in his approach, often dictating opponent movement and pace.
Key Factors That Could Decide the Fight
1. Fight Location & Crowd Energy
Although neither fighter is a massive hometown favorite, Ofli’s Australian roots could provide a motivational edge with the Sydney crowd behind him.
Fighting in familiar territory sometimes fuels performance, and with the crowd buzzing, Ofli might get a mental boost early in the fight.
2. Zha’s Reach and Cardio
Zha’s reach advantage isn’t just about hitting from afar, it also helps him dictate distance, making it harder for Ofli to close the gap without eating strikes.
Additionally, Zha’s cardio and fight pacing have shown that he can maintain pressure and work through all three rounds if needed.
3. Submission Defense vs Offensive Grappling
This will be one of the main battlegrounds of this matchup. If Ofli successfully drags Zha to the ground early and maintains control, the fight could be on his terms.
On the other hand, if Zha stuffs takedowns and keeps this fight standing, his range and experience could tilt the odds in his favor.
Prediction: Who Wins at UFC 325?
Looking at the full picture experience, striking range, and recent momentum, Yi Zha gets the edge in this contest. His longer reach and higher fight volume give him the tools to keep this fight on his terms.
Unless Ofli can close the distance effectively and implement his grappling early, Zha’s ability to keep the fight in advantageous positions could secure him a decision or late-fight finish.
This prediction mirrors community sentiment, with a significant majority picking Zha to win in various prediction polls.
That said, MMA is unpredictable. A well-timed submission or explosive sequence from Ofli could flip the script, especially if Zha lets striking exchanges get too close or neglects takedown defense.
Final Thoughts
The Kaan Ofli vs Yi Zha matchup is one of the most compelling prelim fights on the UFC 325 card.
Fans should expect technical grappling exchanges, disciplined striking, and an intelligent pace set by both men.
For bettors and fight fans alike, this bout offers value as it isn’t a simple matchup on paper; each fighter brings specific strengths that could shine on fight night.
This fight illustrates the depth of the featherweight division and provides a platform for both athletes to make statements early in 2026.
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