Alexander Volkanovski prepares to silence doubters and add to his legacy in one fell swoop. Despite coming off consecutive knockout losses, Volkanovski can become UFC featherweight champion again by besting Diego Lopes at UFC 314 on Saturday night in Miami.
Volkanovski is on the shortlist for all-time featherweight greats, alongside Jose Aldo and Max Holloway. The former champion attempts two never-before-done feats: winning a UFC title after consecutive losses and winning a UFC title fight (lightweight or lower) as a male fighter over 34 years old.
His durability is the biggest concern after back-to-back KO losses. Volkanovski wisely took 14 months off in preparation for Lopes. The rising contender is a dual KO and submission threat, who’s emerged from UFC debutant to title challenger in less than two years. They fight for the 145-pound title vacated by Ilia Topuria.
One of the best cards this year, UFC 314 features other intriguing match-ups, including Michael Chandler vs. Paddy Pimblett and Yair Rodriguez vs. Patricio Pitbull.
UFC 314 predictions — Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes: Fight card, odds, preview, expert picks, prelims
Brent Brookhouse
CBS Sports will be with you the entire way on Saturday, bringing you all the results and highlights from the UFC 314 below. The main card begins at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN+ PPV following preliminary bouts at 8 p.m. ET.
UFC 314 card, results
- Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes, vacant featherweight title
- Paddy Pimblett vs. Michael Chandler, lightweights
- Yair Rodriguez vs. Patricio Pitbull, featherweights
- Jean Silva vs. Bryce Mitchell, featherweights
- Nikita Krylov vs. Dominick Reyes, light heavyweights
- Sean Woodson vs. Dan Ige, featherweights
- Virna Jandiroba vs. Yan Xiaonan, women’s strawweights
- Chase Hooper vs. Jim Miller, lightweights
- Julian Erosa def. Darren Elkins via first-round TKO (punches)
- Michal Oleksiejczuk def. Sedriques Dumas via first-round TKO (punches)
- Sumudaerji def. Mitch Raposo via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
- Marco Tulio def. Tresean Gore via second-round TKO (punches)
- Nora Cornolle def. Hailey Cowan via second-round submission (rear-naked choke)
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