A new UFC featherweight champion will be crowned when Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes step into the octagon. Their 145-pound title fight scheduled for five rounds will take place Saturday, April 12 at UFC 314 from Kaseya Center in Miami. This fight between Volkanovski (26-5 MMA, 13-4 UFC) and Lopes (27-6 MMA, 6-1 UFC) came together after Ilia Topuria agreed to vacate the featherweight title as he prepares to move up to lightweight.
Volkanovski, 36, will enter UFC 314 looking to become a two-time champ after losing the title to Topuria by knockout in February 2024. Volkanovski should be determined to prove his career still has plenty to offer after losing three of his past four bouts. His other two losses during that span were failed attempts at claiming the lightweight title from Islam Makhachev. Volkanovski’s most recent win came in July 2023 when he finished Yair Rodriguez by third-round TKO.
Lopes, 30, will enter UFC 314 on a five-fight winning streak. His most recent result was a dominant unanimous decision win over Brian Ortega last September at UFC 306. Lopes has proven himself a formidable contender, with his only blemish in the UFC being a loss to Movsar Evloev at UFC 288.
The UFC 314 lineup consists of 13 fights, with early prelims starting at 6 p.m. ET, prelims at 8 p.m. ET, and the pay-per-view main card at 10 p.m. ET. As the main event, Volkanovski and Lopes are expected to walk out to the cage at approximately 12:30 a.m. ET. The fight will stream on ESPN+ pay-per-view.
In the co-main event, one-time UFC title challenger Michael Chandler faces off against British fan-favorite Paddy Pimblett in a high-stakes, five-round, non-title lightweight matchup. Chandler, 23-9, is looking to bounce back following his loss to Charles Oliveira at UFC 309. He hasn’t won a fight in three years, partly due to all of his time waiting for Conor McGregor. On the other hand, Pimblett, 22-3, hasn’t lost a fight in seven years and is currently undefeated in the UFC, with his biggest victory coming over former UFC Interim Lightweight Champion Tony Ferguson.
The UFC 314 main card is packed with exciting matchups. In addition to Volkanovski vs. Lopes and Chandler vs. Pimblett, the card also features Yair Rodriguez taking on Patricio Pitbull, Bryce Mitchell facing Jean Silva, and Nikita Krylov battling Dominick Reyes. Each of these fights promises to deliver thrilling action.
As fans gear up for UFC 314, one interesting subplot is the presence of rapper Drake, who has placed a $545,000 bet on Volkanovski to win against Lopes. Known for his infamous "Drake Curse," which suggests that athletes he supports often lose, fans are left wondering if this will affect Volkanovski's chances. Drake's betting history includes significant losses on high-profile fights, making his support a double-edged sword for the fighters involved.
The excitement surrounding UFC 314 is palpable, as fans and analysts alike anticipate the crowning of a new featherweight champion. Will Volkanovski reclaim his title and solidify his legacy as one of the greatest 145-pound fighters in history, or will Lopes continue his ascent in the division? The stage is set for an unforgettable night of fights.
With the stakes higher than ever, the fighters are ready to put on a show for the fans. UFC 314 promises to be a landmark event, and all eyes will be on the Kaseya Center in Miami as these two warriors clash in the octagon.
As the clock ticks down to fight night, the atmosphere is electric, and the anticipation is building. Fans around the world are gearing up to watch the action unfold live on ESPN+. The main card, featuring some of the best talent in mixed martial arts, is expected to deliver an unforgettable experience.
