Alexander Volkanovski will go down in history as one of the greatest UFC fighters of all time, but can he add one more feather to his cap before he retires? The vacant featherweight belt gives Volkanovski a chance at redemption after Ilia Topuria vacated the title to move up to lightweight. Across the cage, Diego Lopes is confident he can defy the UFC odds with an upset victory. Lopes burst into the UFC rankings with five straight wins in just 14 months. His ability to compete both on the floor and on his feet will make this a tough matchup for your UFC 314 predictions.
UFC 314 Fight Card
The UFC 314 fight card is stacked with talent across the main card and preliminary fights. Volkanovski and Lopes will steal the spotlight in the main event, but the ‘people’s main event’ might just be the brawl between Michael Chandler and Paddy Pimblett. Chandler spent two years on the sidelines waiting for Conor McGregor and made his return in an exciting decision loss against Charles Oliveira last year. Pimblett is a perfect 6-0 in the UFC, draws plenty of media coverage, and is one of the sport’s rising prospects. With a total of 14 ranked fighters on this card, UFC 314 promises to be an exhilarating night of fights.
| Weight Class | Fighter | Fighter |
| Featherweight Championship | Alexander Volkanovski | Diego Lopes |
| Lightweight | Michael Chandler | Paddy Pimblett |
| Featherweight | Bryce Mitchell | Jean Silva |
| Welterweight | Geoff Neal | Carlos Prates |
| Light Heavyweight | Nikita Krylov | Dominick Reyes |
UFC 314 Odds: Pereira vs Ankalaev
| Favorite | Underdog |
|---|---|
| Alexander Volkanovski (-155) | Diego Lopes (+125) |
| Paddy Pimblett (-134) | Michael Chandler (+108) |
| Jean Silva (-367) | Bryce Mitchell (+280) |
| Carlos Prates (-400) | Geoff Neal (+300) |
Who Is the Favorite to Win Volkanovski vs Lopes?
The favorite to win at UFC 314 is Alexander Volkanovski. Volkanovski is a -155 favorite on the UFCodds list, thanks to his high-level experience with the UFC octagon. However, Volkanovski is now 36 years old and is in the twilight of his career. If Lopes can bring energy into this matchup, he certainly has the potential to defy the UFC 314 odds with an upset victory over the former champion.
Alexander Volkanovski: Recent Performances and Form
Alexander Volkanovski has had one of the greatest UFC careers of all time. He won his first 12 fights in the promotion, including five featherweight championship victories. He moved up to lightweight in an attempt to become a double champion but lost to Islam Makhachev twice in 2023. Volkanovski returned to featherweight to defend his belt but was promptly upset by Ilia Topuria in early 2024. Now, after more than a year away from the cage, he’s been granted this title shot based on past accomplishments rather than recent performances.
Volkanovski is a well-rounded fighter whose strong takedown defense allows him to control the pace and positioning of most fights. His 5-foot-6 frame is considered short for the division, but he compensates with a long 71.5-inch reach. His striking is both technical and powerful, posing a significant challenge for Lopes. Volkanovski has successfully used his short frame to stuff takedowns, but the hyper-aggressive Lopes will inevitably force him to the mat. To secure victory at UFC 314, Volkanovski must dictate the fight’s tempo and keep Lopes from controlling the grappling exchanges.
Diego Lopes: Recent Performances and Form
Diego Lopes is one of the best prospects in the UFC after bursting into contention with five straight victories. Lopes’s unique hairstyle and entertaining smack talk have been backed up by impressive performances in the cage. He took his last two fights the distance, earning unanimous decision victories, after finishing his previous three opponents in the first round. There is no doubt Volkanovski is the biggest test of his career, and Lopes can truly cement himself as a UFC star with the featherweight championship.
Lopes relies on his lightning-fast pace to find success. He can effortlessly dip in and out of the pocket and isn’t afraid to do the dirty work against the cage either. His greatest strength is his ground game, but he also believes he can hold his own in a striking battle against Volkanovski. His 22 finishes in 26 victories tell a clear story about his preferred fight duration, and Lopes is eager to add a UFC title to his rapidly growing resume.
Where to Make Free Predictions: Volkanovski vs Lopes
To make your free UFC predictions for UFC 314, head over to Sportzino. With competitive UFC odds for every fight at the event, Sportzino is the perfect place for your UFC 314 predictions. They offer a variety of betting options, including moneylines, round totals, and method-of-victory props. By using the expert UFC predictions above, you can maximize your chances of making the right calls on fight night.
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