UFC 314: Volkanovski and Lopes Battle for Vacant Featherweight Crown

MIAMI, FL — The octagon returns to Miami’s Kaseya Center this Saturday, April 12, 2025, for UFC 314, featuring a highly anticipated featherweight title bout between former champion Alexander Volkanovski and rising Brazilian star Diego Lopes. This fight marks a pivotal moment in the 145-pound division, as the title was recently vacated following Ilia Topuria‘s move up to lightweight.

Volkanovski, a seasoned fighter with a record of 26-4, aims to reclaim the belt he held from December 2019 until his loss to Topuria in February 2024. After consecutive knockouts in recent title fights, Volkanovski has taken time off to recuperate and refocus. “I know I can still compete at the highest level and recapture what was once mine,” he stated in a press conference.

On the other side, Lopes brings a formidable challenge to the former champion with a record of 26-6 and an impressive five-fight win streak, including a recent victory over two-time title challenger Brian Ortega. “I’m ready for this fight; I’ve worked hard to earn my shot at the title,” Lopes expressed confidently. The matchup not only represents a chance for Volkanovski to reset his career, but also an opportunity for Lopes to become a champion in just under two years with the promotion.

The event features a robust main card alongside the headline attraction. In the co-main event, perennial contender Michael Chandler faces off against fan-favorite Paddy Pimblett in a highly anticipated lightweight clash. Chandler, eager to revive his title dreams at 39, comes off a recent loss to Charles Oliveira and seeks redemption. Meanwhile, Pimblett, who boasts an unbeaten record in the UFC, views this fight as a critical step toward championship contention.

In another exciting main card matchup, former interim champ Yair Rodriguez will meet Bellator champion Patricio “Pitbull” Freire, who is making his UFC debut. Rodriguez, who has faced a string of tough losses, is aiming for a revitalization in his career. Freire, at 37, is looking to solidify his legacy in the octagon after a dominant run in Bellator.

Additionally, Bryce Mitchell will go toe-to-toe with rising star Jean Silva in what promises to be a thrilling featherweight contest. Mitchell, seeking to bounce back from a recent loss, is keen to make his statement against Silva, who enters the fight with an impressive streak of victories.

The prelims will showcase several noteworthy bouts, including veteran Dan Ige against Sean Woodson and strawweights Yan Xiaonan and Virna Jandiroba competing for a shot at the title. Jim Miller, the most experienced fighter in UFC history, takes on young prospect Chase Hooper in a lightweight matchup that adds excitement to the night.

The full fight card includes:

Main Card:

• Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes
• Michael Chandler vs. Paddy Pimblett
• Yair Rodriguez vs. Patricio Freire
• Bryce Mitchell vs. Jean Silva
• Nikita Krylov vs. Dominick Reyes

Preliminary Card:

• Dan Ige vs. Sean Woodson
• Yan Xiaonan vs. Virna Jandiroba
• Jim Miller vs. Chase Hooper
• Darren Elkins vs. Julian Erosa
• Sedriques Dumas vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk

Early Preliminary Card:

• Sumudaerji vs. Mitch Raposo
• Tresean Gore vs. Marco Tulio
• Nora Cornolle vs. Hailey Cowan

The event kicks off at 6 p.m. ET for the early prelims, with the main card starting at 10 p.m. ET, all available on ESPN+ Pay-Per-View. Fans can expect a night filled with thrilling bouts and the crowning of a new featherweight champion.