Diego Lopes Eyes Rematch with Evloev Following UFC 314 Title Fight

MIAMI, April 4, 2025 — Diego Lopes is determined to reclaim his place at the top of the UFC featherweight division. On April 12, he will face Alexander Volkanovski for the vacant featherweight title at UFC 314 at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. This championship opportunity comes after Lopes has built an impressive five-fight winning streak, following a loss to Movsar Evloev in his promotional debut.

Lopes, 33, completed his last fight with a unanimous decision victory over Brian Ortega and is eager to seize this title fight opportunity. With a professional record of 26-6, Lopes aims to not only capture the championship but also avenge his only octagon defeat from Evloev. “Of course, this fight for me is important because this guy beat me in the past,” Lopes told MMA Junkie. “Now it’s different. I may become a champion, and we’ll possibly fight for the title again.”

Volkanovski, a veteran fighter with a record of 26-4, enters this bout after a series of four fights, two of which resulted in knockout losses. Despite his storied past, questions about his readiness and ability to reclaim the championship looms large. Former two-division champion Henry Cejudo expressed skepticism regarding Volkanovski, stating, “I don’t think it’s the same Volk. I personally think Diego Lopes is gonna beat him. I really do.”

Lopes recognizes the significance of the fight against Volkanovski—a chance to establish himself firmly in the upper echelon of the featherweight rankings but he has his sights set on Evloev. “If I win the belt, I will ask the UFC to fight Movsar. This fight is a must, not just for me but also for my fans,” said Lopes.

Moreover, Lopes has a clear vision for the future. He expressed a desire to defend his title in Guadalajara, Mexico, during the Noche UFC event on September 13. “For me, defending the title in Guadalajara is special because I’ve lived in Mexico for 10 years. I feel the support of so many people here,” Lopes said.

As UFC 314 approaches, both fighters have much at stake—Volkanovski’s legacy aims for redemption, while Lopes seeks to solidify his standing in the division. The impending bout is more than just a title fight; it’s a pivotal moment in both athletes’ careers.

Fans are eagerly anticipating whether Volkanovski will manage to reclaim his title or if Lopes will continue his ascent in the featherweight category. As the fight date draws closer, the buzz surrounding UFC 314 continues to grow.