UFC 314 Volkanovski v Lopes main card preview & betting tips

The UFC returns to Miami for a stacked UFC 314 card this Sunday (AEST), headlined by Aussie icon Alexander Volkanovski taking on Diego Lopes for the vacant featherweight crown.

With Paddy Pimblett clashing with Michael Chandler in the supporting slot and big names like Yair Rodriguez, Patricio Pitbull, Bryce Mitchell and Nikita Krylov also in action, this is one of the strongest PPV lineups in recent memory.

Below are the UFC betting tips and main card preview for Sunday’s showdown in Florida.

Alexander Volkovski vs Diego Lopes

Alexander Volkanovski vs Diego Lopes

Alexander Volkanovski returns to the octagon chasing redemption after back-to-back knockout defeats, but there’s still reason to believe the Aussie is far from done as he faces Diego Lopes for the belt. See our in-depth Volkanovski vs Lopes betting preview and free tips here.

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Michael Chandler vs Paddy Pimblett

Michael Chandler vs Paddy Pimblett

Michael Chandler (29-9-0) may be past his prime, but the former Bellator champ still has fight-ending power and the kind of relentless aggression that can break fighters. His 2-4 UFC record is misleading when you consider those losses came to Poirier, Gaethje, and Oliveira. Chandler’s big issue is his tendency to brawl recklessly, but against a hittable target like Pimblett, that could be all he needs to score a statement knockout.

Paddy Pimblett (22-3-0) is undefeated in the UFC and growing in confidence, but this is by far his toughest test. He’s shown slick grappling and serious finishing instincts, yet his striking defence remains a liability — head high, chin exposed. If he can weather the early storm, his clearest path to victory is dragging Chandler to the mat and hunting the submission. A firefight favours the American; a scramble-heavy grind suits the Brit.

Bryce Mitchell vs Jean Silva

Bryce Mitchell vs Jean Silva

Bryce Mitchell’s (17-2-0) wrestling-first style makes him a tricky matchup for most featherweights. “Thug Nasty” is relentless with his takedowns and pressure, and when he’s on top, he’s a nightmare to shake off. His striking is unorthodox and hittable, but if he can close the distance early, he can drain Silva’s gas tank and take over with top control. Mitchell’s been knocked out brutally before, so he can’t afford to stand for long.

Jean Silva (15-2-0) enters UFC 314 as the heavy favourite with the top MMA bookmakers off the back of a string of devastating knockouts. He’s a high-volume, powerful striker with lethal accuracy and finishing instincts, and he’s backed by a camp that’s become synonymous with elite kickboxing. His takedown defence will be tested here, but if Silva can stuff the early shots or work back to his feet quickly, he’s got the power and technique to put Mitchell away.

Yair Rodriguez vs Patricio Pitbull

Yair Rodriguez vs Patricio Pitbull

Yair Rodriguez (19-5-0) remains one of the most unpredictable strikers in the UFC — dynamic, creative, and capable of pulling out a finish from anywhere. His kicks are devastating and his ability to work at range could be key against a shorter opponent in Pitbull. While his last two losses came to elite opposition, Yair’s still an elite talent in the featherweight division and a tough welcome party for the Bellator legend.

Patricio Pitbull (36-7-0) makes his long-awaited UFC debut after years of dominance in Bellator, where he held titles in two weight classes. He’s undersized for the division and hasn’t looked his best in recent outings, but he’s still dangerous on the counter and has a wealth of experience. If he can crash inside and make it ugly, he might find openings, but at 37, his margin for error against someone like Rodriguez is razor thin.

Nikita Krylov vs Dominick Reyes

Nikita Krylov vs Dominic Reyes

Nikita Krylov (30-9-0) has quietly built a strong case as a top contender, with three straight wins over solid names. He mixes takedowns with unorthodox striking and has developed a grindy, effective style built around pressure and control. Krylov’s ground game should give Reyes issues if he can establish top position early, and his pace is hard to deal with over three rounds.

Dominick Reyes (14-4-0) snapped a four-fight skid with two recent wins, but he’s still a long way from the fighter who nearly dethroned Jon Jones. His chin has been cracked multiple times, and while his striking remains sharp, questions about his durability remain. If he can keep it standing and land clean early, he has the power to change the fight — but if Krylov drags this to the mat, he could be in trouble.

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