The UFC is back in South Florida for UFC 314, its fourth pay-per-view of the calendar year, and the popular "Embedded" fight week video series is here to document what’s happening behind the scenes. UFC 314 took place Saturday, April 12, 2025, at Kaseya Center in Miami, with a blockbuster card headlined by former featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski taking on Diego Lopes for the vacant featherweight title.
In the co-main event, veteran Michael Chandler faced off against rising star Paddy Pimblett in a lightweight showdown. Additionally, former Bellator all-time great Patricio Freire made his highly anticipated UFC debut against Yair Rodriguez. This event showcased a total of 13 fights, starting with early prelims at 3 p.m. PT / 6 p.m. ET, followed by prelims and the main card.
Volkanovski, with a record of 26-5 MMA and 13-4 UFC, was looking to reclaim the title he once held after losing it to Ilia Topuria last year. Lopes, sporting a 27-6 MMA and 6-1 UFC record, was determined to start a new era in the featherweight division. Volkanovski expressed his mindset heading into the fight, saying, "I love being in this position. There’s a lot of people doubting me, right? I’m fine with that. I feel like I want to prove them wrong." This sentiment added an extra layer of intrigue to the matchup.
In the co-main event, Michael Chandler (23-9 MMA, 2-4 UFC) faced off against Paddy Pimblett (22-3 MMA, 6-0 UFC). Chandler, desperate for a win after losing three of his last four fights, was met with a motivated Pimblett, who aimed to solidify his place among the top 10 lightweight contenders. Pimblett stated, "It seems like everyone’s excited for this fight. Everyone’s looking forward to it. All the haters are saying they can’t wait to see me get knocked out, which drives me on even more." This fight was pivotal for both fighters as they sought to climb the ranks in a competitive division.
Meanwhile, Patricio "Pitbull" Freire, a four-time Bellator champion, made his long-awaited UFC debut against Yair Rodriguez (19-5 MMA, 10-4 UFC). Freire, known for his striking prowess and experience, was looking to make an immediate impact in the UFC. He mentioned, "With my track record, I knew that it's something that was going to happen, but, of course, I'm older now and the UFC doesn't have a track record of signing guys my age." The matchup promised fireworks, given both fighters' aggressive styles.
As the night unfolded, Dominick Reyes (11-4 MMA, 6-4 UFC) continued his quest for a title shot by defeating Nikita Krylov (29-9 MMA, 10-7 UFC) in the first round. Reyes expressed his ambitions post-fight, stating, "One more, and then a title shot," positioning himself as a serious contender in the light heavyweight division.
Other notable fights included Bryce Mitchell (15-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC) against Jean Silva (12-3 MMA, 1-1 UFC), and Dan Ige (19-9 MMA, 9-7 UFC) taking on Sean Woodson (16-5 MMA, 5-2 UFC). Ige secured a significant win, while Mitchell showcased his grappling skills against Silva, further solidifying his reputation in the featherweight category.
In the early prelims, Nora Cornolle (6-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC) faced Hailey Cowan (7-4 MMA, 0-2 UFC) in a catchweight bout, with Cornolle winning by submission in the second round. This victory marked a strong comeback after her previous defeat.
As the event progressed, fans were treated to a series of dominant performances. Virna Jandiroba (17-3 MMA, 5-3 UFC) showcased her grappling prowess against Yan Xiaonan (16-4 MMA, 7-4 UFC), winning by unanimous decision. Chase Hooper (16-3-1 MMA, 8-3 UFC) also impressed, defeating the experienced Jim Miller (38-19-1 MMA, 27-16 UFC) by unanimous decision.
The financial stakes were high for the fighters involved. Volkanovski’s estimated base purse ranged between $500,000 and $750,000, potentially reaching up to $3 million with pay-per-view shares and bonuses. Lopes was projected to earn a base pay of $500,000, while Chandler's earnings were estimated at $500,000, possibly exceeding $1 million with bonuses. Pimblett, on the other hand, was expected to earn around $400,000, reflecting his rising star power in the UFC.
As the night drew to a close, the UFC 314 event not only delivered thrilling fights but also showcased the depth of talent in mixed martial arts. The atmosphere in the Kaseya Center was electric, with fans witnessing the emergence of new contenders and the return of former champions. With the stakes higher than ever, the fighters left it all in the octagon, setting the stage for the next chapter in their careers.
UFC 314 will be remembered not just for its fights but for the stories that unfolded, showcasing the resilience and determination of fighters as they vie for glory in the octagon. As the dust settles, fans are left eagerly anticipating what’s next for their favorite fighters and the future of the UFC.
