Preview: UFC 314: Volkanovski vs Lopes

The UFC returns to Miami as the featherweight belt is on the line at UFC 314. Ilia Topuria vacated the featherweight belt in hopes of chasing the lightweight title. Now, Alexander Volkanovski takes on Diego Lopes in this main event, as Volkanovski looks to regain the title while Lopes looks to cement himself as one of the greats.

In the co-main event, former title contender and UFC legend Michael Chandler takes on the British star Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett in a highly anticipated 5-round contest that is guaranteed fireworks. You do not want to miss this card from start to finish.

Main Event – Alexander Volkanovski (26-4-0) vs. Diego Lopes (26-6-0)

The #1 contender Alexander Volkanovski is attempting to regain the featherweight belt against #3-ranked Diego Lopes, whose quick rise to success in the UFC has made him a fan favorite to watch. You cannot blink at the beginning of a Diego Lopes fight, as he is a fast and wild starter.

Volkanovski will have to use his incredible cardio to drag Lopes into the later rounds, where Lopes has shown signs of slowing down. Lopes has great boxing with power to complement it and amazing grappling. If anyone in the division can stop this, it’s Alexander Volkanovski. Can Volk prove the doubters wrong about his age and whether he is passed his prime?

Co-Main Event – Michael Chandler (23-9-0) vs. Paddy Pimblett (22-3-0)

#7-ranked Michael Chandler does not know how to take a backward step and presses forward from bell to bell. He is facing #12-ranked Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett, who has backed up all of his trash talk in the Octagon so far. Paddy showed a more patient and mature look in his last outing compared to his usual wild style. Chandler will be looking to avoid grappling exchanges and land big shots to really see if Scousers don't get knocked out.

Main Card – Yair Rodríguez (20-6-0) vs. Patrício Pitbull (36-7-0)

Former interim title holder Yair Rodríguez is welcoming MMA veteran Patrício “Pitbull” Freire to the UFC. Yair is the perfect test to see if Patrício can answer the question he’s been asked his whole career: Is he UFC-caliber?

Main Card – Bryce Mitchell (17-3-0) vs. Jean Silva (15-2-0)

The #13-ranked, controversial yet slick grappler Bryce Mitchell takes on knockout artist Jean Silva, who is competing out of The Fighting Nerds gym. Silva has finished every opponent he has faced in the UFC, but he has not fought a grappler and submission artist at the level of Bryce Mitchell.

Main Card – Nikita Krylov (30-9-0) vs. Dominick Reyes (14-4-0)

The #8-ranked light-heavyweight Nikita Krylov fights #11-ranked Dominick Reyes. This is an all-veteran fight you definitely do not want to miss.