UFC 314 Preview: Volkanovski Battles Lopes for Featherweight Title

MIAMI, FL — The UFC returns this weekend for UFC 314, where former champion Alexander Volkanovski will face Diego Lopes in a featherweight title fight at the Kaseya Center on April 12, 2025. This main event follows Volkanovski’s loss to Ilia Topuria last February, marking his first return to the Octagon since the setback.

Volkanovski (26-4), who held the featherweight title for over four years, looks to reclaim his status against rising contender Lopes (26-6), who has won five consecutive fights. This matchup not only promises action but also showcases a critical moment in the 145-pound division.

“Does ‘Alexander the Great’ still have something to offer and a second reign inside of him? Is Lopes ready to be the hunted after shining as the hunter?” said E. Spencer Kyte, the author of the preview article. “It’s fascinating and highly anticipated.”

In addition to the title fight, the co-main event features Michael Chandler against popular British fighter Paddy Pimblett in a lightweight matchup. Chandler (23-9), who has faced significant challenges in recent years, looks to build momentum after a tough stint, while Pimblett (22-3) aims to continue his undefeated UFC record.

The main card also highlights a compelling bout between Bryce Mitchell (17-3) and Jean Silva (4-0), as both competitors vie for contention status in the featherweight ranks. Mitchell seeks to leverage previous experience against Silva, who is fresh from impressive victories.

Furthermore, former interim champion Yair Rodriguez will make his Octagon return against former Bellator champion Patricio “Pitbull” Freire (36-7), marking a significant debut for Freire in the UFC.

The rest of the main card features notable bouts such as light heavyweights Nikita Krylov and Dominick Reyes, alongside a series of essential preliminary fights, including Dan Ige vs. Sean Woodson and Yan Xiaonan vs. Virna Jandiroba.

UFC CEO Dana White confirmed that the winner of Volkanovski vs. Lopes will emerge as the new featherweight champion following Topuria’s decision to vacate the title as he moves to lightweight. “Topuria will be moving up to 155 pounds and will be vacating the featherweight title… As soon as the first punch is thrown, the title is vacated,” White stated.

Fans can tune in for the prelims starting at 8 p.m. ET, while the main card will kick off at 10 p.m. ET, live from Miami. This weekend promises to be a captivating showcase of skill, with potential implications for future title shots in the increasingly competitive divisions.