Alexander Volkanovski won the featherweight championship for the second time in his career, beating Diego Lopes after a five-round battle in the main event of UFC 314 at the Kaseya Center in Miami.
Volkanovski has now won seven featherweight title fights, moving him into second place all-time in the division behind Jose Aldo’s eight title victories.
The loss snapped Lopes’ five-fight win streak.
The title was left vacant after Ilia Topuria decided to move on from the featherweight division and permanently compete as a lightweight.
Volkanovski lost the title to Topuria at UFC 298 in February 2024, by second-round knockout.
Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes highlights
USA TODAY Sports provided complete coverage of all the action from UFC 314. Follow along for live updates:
Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes result
Round 1: Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes spend the early moments of the fight feeling each other out before each exchange strikes. Volkanovski lands a strike that stuns Lopes and sends him stumbling backward.
Lopes survived Volkanovski’s ground-and-pound strikes to his face while Lopes had his back down on the mat in the final seconds of the opening round. Lopes returned to his feet with a gash on his nose as he returned to his corner.
Round 2: Volkanovski rocks Lopes with a right-handed strike that sends Lopes backward against the cage. Volkanovski landed more strikes in each of the first two rounds. Lopes did deliver a right-handed strike of his own that dropped Volkanovski within the final 10 seconds of the round. Volkanovski may have still done enough to win the round.
Round 3: Lopes has done a great job preventing Volkanovski from getting a successful takedown throughout the fight. Volkanovski has had just one of his six takedown attempts be successful, and that came in the first round.
Round 4: Both fighters are throwing strikes just before the two-minute mark of the round. Volkanovski was cut in one of the earlier rounds, but it seems to be giving him some trouble as he was seen putting his hand to his face as he was backing up and trying to keep his distance from Lopes.
Lopes had a left-handed strike that forced his glove to slide across the face of Volkanovski before Lopes followed it up quickly with a right-handed uppercut.
Volkanovski told his corner that he did lose his eyesight at some point during the round.
Round 5: Volkanovski continued to land significant strikes in each of the rounds, but Lopes did inflict damage with his strikes. Volkanovski and Lopes were both left standing and shared a hug in the octagon. The fight came down to a unanimous decision in favor of Volkanovski, who became the new featherweight champion. He became the first fighter over 35 years old to win a title in one of UFC’s lighter weight classes.
Michael Chandler vs. Paddy Pimblett result
Round 1: The lightweight fight is underway. Pimblett and Chandler stand near the middle of the ring to feel each other out. Pimblett lands some low kicks early in the fight. Chandler managed to get Pimblett down on the ground and land effective strikes.
Round 2: Both Chandler and Pimblett were attempting to throw leg strikes at the same time. Chandler’s leg landed in Pimblett’s groin region. The fight was briefly delayed. Upon returning, Chandler managed to get Pimblett down on the ground.
Pimblett would manage to reverse position with Chandler and take control the fight.
While Chandler managed to win the first round after controlling Pimblett for 2:10 of the round, Pimblett got back in the fight by controlling 1:51 in the second round. Pimblett also landed more significant strikes in the middle round.
Round 3: Pimblett landed several strikes early in the round, including a knee strike that cut Chandler open under his left eye. Pimblett managed to put the fight away and secure the victory after landing several more strikes to the face of Chandler while he was on the ground. The official stepped in to stop the fight. Chandler did not stick around after the fight, leaving the ring immediately to have the cut treated.
Yair Rodriguez vs. Patricio Pitbull result
Round 1: The round ends with words exchanged between the two fighters. Pitbull was not happy with Rodriguez, who was punching him in the back of the head while Pitbull was on top of Rodriguez during the closing seconds of the opening period.
Round 2: Rodriguez got the best of Pitbull in the first two rounds and even recorded a takedown in the final seconds of the round. Yair has managed to use his range to his advantage throughout the fight. Rodriguez had managed to outstrike his opponent and landed a tough blow that allowed him to maul Pitbull while he was on the ground.
Round 3: Rodriguez managed to secure a unanimous decision victory. While the fight did go the distance, Rodriguez dominated Pitbull throughout.
Bryce Mitchell vs. Jean Silva result
Round 1: Mitchell landed several strikes, but Silva managed to get some successful strikes of his own in the opening round. Silva got the best of Mitchell in the final minute of the round with submission attempts.
Round 2: Silva catches Mitchell with a strike that stuns him early in the round. With Mitchell down, Silva had a chance to try and end the fight while he had the momentum, but he allowed his opponent to get back up to his feet.
Silva landed a left hook and a right-handed punch to apply further damage to Mitchell. Silva managed to get Mitchell into a ninja choke while they were both in a standing position before bringing him down to the ground and forcing Mitchell to submit.
Amanada Nunes to be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame
Amanada Nunes will be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame. The news was announced during UFC 314. Nunes has had career-defining victories over Ronda Rousey and Cris Cyborg.
She is considered by some to be the greatest women’s fighter of all time.
Nunes was caught off guard during the event as a video played as part of the announcement with her in the crowd. She was emotional as the video played and was embraced by UFC CEO Dana White and announcer Bruce Buffer.
Nikita Krylov vs. Dominick Reyes result
Round 1: Dominick Reyes earns a first-round victory after a left-handed shot rocks Nikita Krylov and immediately drops him. The official steps in immediately. Reyes won by TKO.
It was the first time Krylov was knocked out in a light heavyweight fight.
President Donald Trump arrives at UFC 314
Donald Trump made his way to his seat before the start of the main card.
UFC 314: Time, PPV, streaming for Volkanovski vs. Lopes
The highly anticipated matchup between Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes will take place on Saturday, April 12 and can be purchased on ESPN+ PPV.
Date: Saturday, April 12
Location: Kaseya Center (Miami)
Early prelims start time: 6 p.m. ET
Early prelims stream: ESPN+, Disney+
Prelims card start time: 8 p.m. ET
Prelims card TV: ESPN; Prelims stream: ESPN+
Main card start time: 10 p.m. ET
Main card stream: ESPN+ PPV
Dan Ige vs. Sean Woodson result
Dan Ige overwhelms Sean Woodson in the featherweight fight. Woodson was down on his knees trying to hold on to the legs of Ige, who continued to throw rapid strikes to his opponent’s head. The officials stopped the fight, and Ige was declared the winner by TKO.
Yan Xiaonan vs. Virna Jandiroba result
Virna Jandiroba earned the unanimous decision in the women’s strawweight fight. Jandiroba controlled most of the fight and nearly forced Yan Xiaonan to submit in the final seconds of the first round.
Jim Miller vs. Chase Hooper result
Chase Hooper won the lightweight fight against Jim Miller by unanimous decision. Most of the fight was spent on the ground and did receive boos from the fans watching the fight because of the lack of action in the bout.
Julian Erosa vs. Darren Elkins result
Julian Erosa rocked Darren Elkins in the first round of the featherweight prelim fight. Erosa landed a series of leg strikes while he was on his back under the jaw of Elkins.
Elkins was never able to recover as he continued to take a beating before the referee stopped the fight. Erosa was declared the winner by TKO.
UFC 314 early prelim results
Middleweight: Michal Oleksiejczuk def. Sedriques Dumas by TKO
Flyweight: Su Mudaerji def. Mitch Raposo by split decision
Middleweight: Marco Tulio def. Tresean Gore by TKO
Women’s Bantamweight: Nora Cornolle def. Hailey Cowan by submission
UFC 314 highlights
President Donald Trump will attend UFC 314
President Donald Trump is expected to attend UFC 314 in Miami, according to reports.
Trump is no stranger to the mixed martial arts scene, having attended multiple events in the past, including UFC 302 and 309.
The Secret Service is reportedly already at the Kaseya Center with dogs before his arrival.
He’s expected to arrive at the arena at 8:55 p.m. ET.
Marco Tulio robbed, involved in a car accident before UFC 314
According to reporter Megan Olivi, middleweight fighter Marco Tulio was the victim of an attempted robbery on his way to the airport to leave for Miami. On his way to UFC 314, he was also said to be involved in a car accident.
Tulio managed to win his fight against Tresean Gore by knockout, but said after the fight that he did break his hand.
UFC 314 preliminary and main card start times
Early prelims: 6 p.m. ET (ESPN+, Disney+)
Prelims: 8 p.m. ET (ESPN, ESPN+)
Main card: 10 p.m. ET (PPV on ESPN+)
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UFC 314: Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes card
Main card
Featherweight – Main Event: Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes
Lightweight: Michael Chandler vs. Paddy Pimblett
Featherweight: Yair Rodriguez vs. Patricio Pitbull
Featherweight: Bryce Mitchell vs. Jean Silva
Light Heavyweight: Nikita Krylov vs. Dominick Reyes
Prelims
Featherweight: Dan Ige vs. Sean Woodson
Women’s Strawweight: Yan Xiaonan vs. Virna Jandiroba
Lightweight: Jim Miller vs. Chase Hooper
Featherweight: Darren Elkins vs. Julian Erosa
Early prelims
Middleweight: Sedriques Dumas vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk
Flyweight: Sumudaerji vs. Mitch Raposo
Middleweight: Tresean Gore vs. Marco Tulio
Women’s Bantamweight: Nora Cornolle vs. Hailey Cowan
UFC 314 odds
All odds are for moneyline bets as of Friday, according to BetMGM.
Main card
Featherweight – Main Event: Alexander Volkanovski (-145) vs. Diego Lopes (+120)
Lightweight: Michael Chandler (+125) vs. Paddy Pimblett (-150)
Featherweight: Yair Rodriguez (-200) vs. Patricio Pitbull (+165)
Featherweight: Bryce Mitchell (+185) vs. Jean Silva (-225)
Light Heavyweight: Nikita Krylov (-190) vs. Dominick Reyes (+155)
Prelims
Featherweight: Dan Ige (+150) vs. Sean Woodson (-185)
Women’s Strawweight: Yan Xiaonan (+125) vs. Virna Jandiroba (-150)
Lightweight: Jim Miller (+600) vs. Chase Hooper (-900)
Featherweight: Darren Elkins (+240) vs. Julian Erosa (-300)
Early Prelims
Middleweight: Sedriques Dumas(+165) vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk (-200)
Flyweight: Su Mudaerji (-175) vs. Mitch Raposo (+145)
Middleweight: Tresean Gore (-310) vs. Marco Tulio (-400)
Women’s Bantamweight: Nora Cornolle (-170) vs. Hailey Cowan (+140)
UFC 314 predictions
MMA Junkie: Lerone Murphy picks Volkanovski
Matthew Wells and Ken Hathaway write: ‘I think it’s a great fight – I think they’re both top fighters, both exciting fighters,’ Murphy said at a post-fight news conference. ‘Two very high-level competitors, but I think maybe, I can see Volk winning late rounds with the cardio and the experience, but who knows?’
MMA Weekly: Robert Whittaker picks Volkanovski
Jeff Cain writes on behalf of Whittakers comments: ‘Makhachev 1 Volk I believe beats Diego Lopes. Volk’s skillset and just his composure, his toughness, his grit, his fight IQ, his ability to fight in the octagon, is second to none. He’s amazing, but with all the other factors we looked into, what Volk are we going to see.’
Boxing News: Leaning toward Lopez
Staff writes: ‘It’s a very interesting fight. Diego Lopes has been on an absolute hot streak, and his boxing is very sharp. Volkanovski hasn’t had the best performances lately, but he’s still the GOAT and an amazing athlete. However, I’m actually leaning towards Lopes. I believe he has what it takes to grab the belt. Even though Volkanovski is one of the greatest, I think Lopes, with his momentum, will put himself in a better position heading into that fight.’
UFC 314 live stream
The early prelims will be available to stream via ESPN+ and Disney+. The prelims follow with coverage on ESPN as well as streaming on ESPN+. The main event is available on ESPN+ PPV.
UFC 314 price
UFC events are available to ESPN+ subscribers for $119.99 for the entire year. You can also purchase a monthly subscription of ESPN+ for $11.99. The PPV is available for an additional $79.99.
Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes: Tale of the tape
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