UFC 314: Alexander Volkanovski vs Diego Lopes Preview: Odds, Tips and Prediction

Alexander Volkanovski makes his way back into the cage for UFC 314 to battle the Brazilian phenom, Diego Lopes, for a vacant featherweight title.

Volkanovski, the former champ, is looking to bounce back after a brutal KO loss to Ilia Topuria at UFC 298 – a result that ended his dominant title reign and left fans wondering whether the 35-year-old could still hang with the division’s best. Now, with Topuria having vacated the belt to move up to lightweight, Volkanovski has a golden opportunity to reclaim his throne and silence the doubters once more.

For Diego Lopes, this is the ultimate rise-from-nowhere story. After debuting on short notice less than a year ago, the 29-year-old has earned this shot with three statement wins – all by stoppage – and now faces the toughest test of his life.

Adding to the spectacle, Michael Chandler and Paddy Pimblett clash in a co-main event stacked with tension, flair, and rankings pressure. UFC 314 promises fireworks from start to finish!

Diego Lopes News 

Diego Lopes has become one of the most electrifying names in the UFC over the past 12 months. From a late-notice underdog to a title challenger, the Brazilian's journey has been rewarded. After scoring three stoppage wins in a row, Lopes has proven he’s more than just hype – he’s dangerous.

The 30-year-old holds advantages in height, reach and boasts obvious knockout power. His recent resume includes a dominant win over Dan Ige and a massive decision over Brian Ortega – a statement-making result against a proven featherweight contender and former opponent of his current opponent. These performances have solidified his reputation and earned him a shot at the title with serious potential to come out victorious.

However, outside of Ige and Ortega, Lopes hasn’t faced many of the division’s top-ranked names. UFC 314 will mark his first bout against a former champion and someone with elite five-round experience.

Still, Lopes has proven time and time again that he only needs a moment to turn a fight upside down – and he’ll have 25 minutes to do it.

Prediction: Volkanovski by Decision

Alexander Volkanovski’s experience in five-round title fights, strategic fight IQ, and measured pressure make him the safer pick to win this contest over the distance. While Lopes is an explosive finisher with real danger in both his hands and mostly submissions, the Aussie has consistently nullified the strengths of high-level opponents across 25-minute battles.

Expect Volk to weather the early storm and start to take over by the end of the second round, using feints, angles, and relentless pace to outwork Lopes on the feet. He’ll likely mix in level changes and clinch control to disrupt the Brazilian’s rhythm and blunt any momentum.

Lopes may find moments of success, but Volkanovski’s composure, cardio, and ability to win minutes – not just moments – should be the difference here. He’s shown he can survive deep submission threats (as he did against Ortega), and his championship pedigree should carry him to a calculated and convincing decision win.