Alexander Volkanovski v Diego Lopes tips & preview | UFC 314

Former featherweight champ Alexander Volkanovski returns at UFC 314 for his 10th straight title fight as he looks to reclaim the belt recently vacated by Ilia Topuria. Across from him stands Diego Lopes, a fast-rising contender riding a five-fight win streak.

Volkanovski enters as the slight favourite with the top online bookmakers, but questions around his chin and recent KO losses loom large. This main event is a classic crossroads battle, with the Australian’s legacy on the line and Lopes eyeing a statement-making coronation.

Volkovski vs Lopes main event preview

Alexander Volkanovski vs Diego Lopes

Alexander Volkanovski (26-4) is back in the featherweight division after a brutal run of fights at lightweight and back-to-back knockout losses to Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria. The Aussie has had 14 months to recover and recalibrate and now gets the chance to regain the title he held for 1,521 days.

Volk’s championship experience, cardio, and technical striking remain elite, and if he can weather Lopes’ early storm, this fight is tailor-made for a vintage Volkanovski performance. His game plan will be built around movement, jabs, and wearing Lopes down over five rounds.

Diego Lopes (26-6) has exploded onto the UFC scene, going from short-notice debutant to title challenger in under two years. After nearly upsetting Movsar Evloev in his first fight, Lopes reeled off five straight wins — including finishes of Gavin Tucker and Pat Sabatini, and decisions over Dan Ige and Brian Ortega.

Lopes brings fast hands, dangerous jiu-jitsu, and relentless pressure, but he’s yet to be tested deep into championship rounds. He’ll look to overwhelm Volkanovski early with volume and unpredictability, but the longer the fight drags on, the more it swings in the former champ’s favour.

Volkanovski vs Lopes UFC 314 predictions

Volkanovski has more tools, more experience, and more grit. The danger zone is the first 10 minutes, where Lopes is at his most lethal. But if ‘Volk’ can avoid the big shots early, his superior gas tank and fight IQ should take over. Expect a patient approach, mixing strikes and clinch control, to grind out a win on the cards at good odds with the top UFC betting sites.

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