On Saturday, April 12, 2025, the UFC showcased an electrifying night of fights at UFC 314: Volkanovski vs. Lopes, held at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. The event featured a highly anticipated main event for the vacant featherweight title, pitting former champion Alexander Volkanovski against rising star Diego Lopes. Fans were treated to a thrilling night of action, with a total of 13 fights, including several matchups that could shape the future of the division.
The main card began at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN+ pay-per-view, following an early prelim card that started at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN+ and UFC Fight Pass, and the preliminary card that aired at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN and ESPN+. The atmosphere was electric as fans filled the arena, eager to witness a new champion being crowned in the featherweight division.
In the main event, Alexander Volkanovski, boasting a record of 26 wins and 4 losses, entered the octagon looking to reclaim the title he had held for over four years. Volkanovski had previously lost the title to Ilia Topuria at UFC 296 in February 2024, and he was determined to regain his championship status. On the other side, Diego Lopes came into the fight with a record of 26 wins and 6 losses, riding a wave of momentum after winning his last five fights. This was Lopes' first title shot in the UFC, and he was eager to seize the opportunity.
Before the main event, the co-main event featured a lightweight clash between Michael Chandler and Paddy Pimblett. Chandler, a veteran of the sport, faced off against the rising star Pimblett in what promised to be an intense matchup. Chandler, who had struggled in recent bouts, was looking to prove he still had what it takes to compete at the highest level. Meanwhile, Pimblett, known for his charismatic personality and submission skills, aimed to continue his winning streak and solidify his place in the division.
Another exciting matchup on the main card was the featherweight bout between Bryce Mitchell and Jean Silva, as well as Yair Rodriguez taking on Patricio “Pitbull” Freire. Both fights showcased the depth of talent in the featherweight division, with fighters eager to make a name for themselves.
As the night progressed, fans were also treated to a series of preliminary fights that featured rising stars and seasoned veterans alike. Notably, Nora Cornolle faced off against Hailey Cowan in a women’s bantamweight bout. Cornolle, who had garnered attention for her grappling skills, was heavily favored going into the fight. The matchup was a critical one for both fighters, as Cornolle looked to continue her ascent in the UFC rankings.
In a moment that had fans on their feet, Nora Cornolle submitted Hailey Cowan in the second round with a rear-naked choke, demonstrating her grappling prowess. This victory marked a significant milestone for Cornolle, solidifying her status as a contender in the bantamweight division. Her performance was praised, with analysts noting her superior grappling and striking abilities.
Another notable fight on the preliminary card saw Marco Tulio take on Tresean Gore. Tulio was expected to dominate the fight, and he did not disappoint, winning by TKO in the second round. The fight showcased Tulio's striking power, as he landed several heavy shots that ultimately led to the referee stopping the contest.
The UFC 314 event also featured exciting matchups such as Nikita Krylov vs. Dominick Reyes and Dan Ige vs. Sean Woodson, both of which added to the night’s excitement. Each fighter brought their own unique style and determination, making for thrilling encounters that kept fans engaged throughout the night.
As the event came to a close, the anticipation surrounding the featherweight title bout reached a fever pitch. With both Volkanovski and Lopes being formidable opponents, fans were left on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting the outcome of the championship fight.
In the lead-up to the event, predictions were made about the outcomes of various fights. Sean Zerillo, a senior writer at The Action Network, projected Cornolle as a -260 favorite against Cowan, citing her extensive experience and superior grappling skills. Zerillo noted that Cornolle's performance in previous fights indicated she was poised for success in this matchup.
Additionally, Billy Ward recommended Mitch Raposo as a value pick against Sumudaerji, highlighting Raposo's wrestling background as a potential game-changer in their fight. John Lanfranca picked Michal Oleksiejczuk as a favorite against Sedriques Dumas, emphasizing the importance of this fight for Oleksiejczuk's career.
As the night wrapped up, the atmosphere in Miami was electric, with fans buzzing about the performances they had witnessed. UFC 314 not only delivered thrilling fights but also showcased the depth of talent within the organization. With a new champion crowned and several fighters making statements, the event set the stage for an exciting future in the UFC.
Overall, UFC 314 was a night to remember, filled with action, drama, and unforgettable moments. As fighters celebrated their victories and reflected on their performances, fans were left eagerly anticipating the next chapter in the UFC's storied history.
