UFC 314 Featherweight Title Preview - Volkanovski vs. Lopes: Can Volkanovski beat the streaking Lopes and reclaim the crown? April 10, 2025 by Marc Jerbs

The headline bout of UFC 314 features a high-stakes featherweight title clash between former champion Alexander Volkanovski and surging contender Diego Lopes. Scheduled for April 12, 2025, at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida, this fight offers both men a golden opportunity to capture the vacant belt, following Ilia Topuria's move up to lightweight. The main card is set to kick off at 10:00 PM EDT.

Alexander Volkanovski: Seeking Redemption

Alexander Volkanovski, 36, enters the octagon with a professional record of 26-4-0, including 13 knockouts and 3 submissions. While he has faced challenges recently—going 1-3 in his last four bouts—Volkanovski remains a seasoned and dangerous competitor. His recent losses came at the hands of elite opponents, including a knockout by Islam Makhachev in a lightweight title fight at UFC 294 and a defeat to Ilia Topuria at UFC 298 that cost him the featherweight crown.

Despite these setbacks, Volkanovski’s technical prowess remains evident. He averages 6.16 significant strikes per minute with an accuracy rate of 56%, while maintaining a solid 58% striking defense. Known for consistently outstriking his opponents, he enters UFC 314 as a slight favorite, thanks to his experience, composure, and striking efficiency.

Volkanovski's journey to UFC prominence is anything but conventional. Originally a professional rugby league player, he began MMA training in 2011 for fitness and quickly fell in love with the sport, inspired by Chuck Liddell. Before entering the UFC, he worked in his family's concreting business and earned titles in other promotions, including the PXC and AFC. A former national gold medalist in wrestling, Volkanovski's well-rounded skill set and championship pedigree make him a formidable challenge for any opponent.

Diego Lopes: The Rising Contender

On the other side of the cage, 30-year-old Diego Lopes brings a 26-6-0 record, with 10 wins by knockout and 12 by submission, reflecting his dangerous finishing ability. Lopes rides a five-fight win streak into the bout, including statement stoppages over Gavin Tucker, Pat Sabatini, and Sodiq Yusuff, as well as decision victories against Dan Ige and Brian Ortega. Fighting out of Mexico, Lopes has quickly earned a reputation for his aggressive style and relentless pursuit of finishes.

Lopes lands 4.20 significant strikes per minute with 53% accuracy, and he maintains a 50% striking defense. His recent performances have made him one of the most exciting rising stars in the division, and this title shot presents a chance to cement his status as a legitimate force at featherweight.

Volkanovski vs. Lopes Sports Bet Odds

Alexander "The Great" Volkanovski is the favorite to win the match. Here are our latest odds:

• Volkanovski is the favorite and has a money line of -122.
• Lopes is the underdog and has a money line of +102.

The UFC 314 main event promises fireworks as Volkanovski looks to bounce back and reclaim gold, while Lopes aims to seize the spotlight and capture his first UFC title. With the vacant featherweight championship on the line, the bout is poised to be a defining moment in both fighters' careers—experience and precision versus youth and momentum. Fans at the Kaseya Center can expect a thrilling and competitive showdown on April 12.

Volkanovski vs. Lopes Tale of the Tape

Alexander Volkanovski	VS	Diego Lopes
26-4-0	Record	26-6-0
Loss	Last Fight	Win
5' 6"	Height	5' 11"
157.5 LBS	Weight	160.0 LBS
71.5"	Reach	72.5"
36.0"	Leg Reach	41.0"
56%	Significant Strikes	53%
58%	Strikes Defense	50%
37%	Takedown Accuracy	40%
70%	Takedown Defense	52%