UFC 314: Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes Results, Round-by-Round Analysis and Highlights

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UFC 314. Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes Apr 12 2025 Miami.

UFC 314 brought the heat to the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida, as two of the biggest names in the featherweight division clashed in a highly anticipated five-round main event. Former UFC Featherweight Champion Alexander Volkanovski (26-4) squared off against the dangerous Diego Lopes (26-6) for the vacant 145-pound title. The night also featured a star-studded co-main event, with one-time UFC title challenger Michael Chandler taking on the British sensation Paddy Pimblett in a lightweight showdown. Here’s your detailed round-by-round analysis and results from the action-packed night.

Background and Build-Up to UFC 314

Before UFC 314, all eyes were on the featherweight division, especially following the relinquishing of the 145-pound title by Ilia Topuria after his victory over Volkanovski in February 2024. Volkanovski’s title reign had come to an end, but his legacy was far from tarnished. The Great, as he is often called, had one of the most legendary runs in UFC history. From his dominant win streak to becoming a two-time UFC Featherweight Champion, Volkanovski had proven himself as one of the most skilled and dangerous fighters in the sport.

On the other side of the Octagon stood Diego Lopes, a rising star who had been on an absolute tear after his UFC debut in May 2023. Lopes had gone 5-0 since losing to the undefeated Movsar Evloev, picking up wins over notable opponents like Sodiq Yusuff, Dan Ige, and most recently, Brian Ortega. Lopes’s striking and relentless pace had made him a formidable challenger, and he was hungry for the title shot that many believed he deserved.

Main Event: Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes

Round 1:

The night began with an electric atmosphere as the crowd at the Kaseya Center roared in anticipation of the main event. Volkanovski came out with his trademark calm, but intense focus. Lopes, the challenger, was all business from the start, stalking Volkanovski with fast, aggressive strikes. Volkanovski looked to establish his rhythm early, using his footwork to keep distance and land a few hard leg kicks.

Lopes, however, was relentless, throwing flurries of punches and closing the distance quickly. At one point, Lopes managed to clinch Volkanovski against the cage, but the former champion showcased his wrestling defense by quickly breaking free. The round was close, with both men landing good shots, but Volkanovski’s cleaner strikes and superior footwork seemed to give him a slight edge.

Round 1 Winner: Alexander Volkanovski (by slight margin)

Round 2:

In the second round, Lopes came out even more aggressive. He was throwing caution to the wind, trying to land big combinations, but Volkanovski’s head movement and defensive skills were on point. At the midway point, Volkanovski began to take control of the round. He landed a beautiful counter right hand that wobbled Lopes briefly, but Lopes continued to press forward, refusing to back down.

Volkanovski’s conditioning and control were evident as he mixed up his striking with effective kicks, keeping Lopes at bay. The Great began to find his rhythm, landing clean punches and kicks with precision. However, Lopes was still in the fight, constantly moving forward and landing some hard shots.

Round 2 Winner: Alexander Volkanovski (clearer advantage)

Round 3:

By the third round, both fighters showed signs of fatigue, but Volkanovski maintained a higher level of composure. He mixed in his wrestling more, landing a few takedowns that drained Lopes’s energy. Lopes was still dangerous, and at one point, he managed to land a solid body kick that seemed to hurt Volkanovski, but the former champion quickly recovered. Volkanovski used his experience to stay in control, out-striking Lopes and avoiding any significant damage.

Round 3 Winner: Alexander Volkanovski (control and takedowns)

Round 4:

Entering the championship rounds, it was clear that Volkanovski had begun to take full control of the fight. His cardio and technique were shining through as Lopes began to slow down. Lopes still had his moments, landing a few wild shots that briefly forced Volkanovski to reset, but Volkanovski’s composure and pace were simply too much.

In the middle of the round, Volkanovski landed a clean one-two combination that dropped Lopes briefly, but the challenger got up and kept pushing forward. The champion’s striking was on full display, and his defense had been nearly flawless, absorbing minimal damage while dishing out plenty of his own.

Round 4 Winner: Alexander Volkanovski (dominant round)

Round 5:

As the final round began, Lopes was visibly exhausted. His face showed the signs of the brutal war that had been waged in the Octagon. Volkanovski, on the other hand, looked composed and determined to finish strong. Volkanovski’s relentless pressure was too much for Lopes to handle in the final moments, as he continued to pepper the challenger with clean, sharp strikes.

Despite Lopes’s heart and resilience, Volkanovski sealed the deal in the final round, putting on a masterclass in mixed martial arts. The crowd roared as the fight went to the judges’ scorecards.

Round 5 Winner: Alexander Volkanovski (dominant finish)

Result: Alexander Volkanovski Wins by Unanimous Decision (50-45, 50-44, 50-44)

With the unanimous decision victory, Alexander Volkanovski became a two-time UFC Featherweight Champion, cementing his place in UFC history. He showed that despite his recent losses, he was still one of the top fighters in the world and proved why he is widely regarded as one of the best 145-pound fighters to ever step into the Octagon.

Co-Main Event: Michael Chandler vs. Paddy Pimblett

The co-main event saw Michael Chandler, the former lightweight title challenger, take on Paddy Pimblett in a high-stakes five-round lightweight bout. The buildup to the fight had been full of tension, with both men talking trash in the lead-up to the event.

Round 1:

Chandler came out aggressive, landing some heavy shots that rocked Pimblett early. However, Pimblett’s striking defense and ability to take a punch were evident as he weathered the storm and returned fire with some slick combinations of his own. Chandler’s power was on display, but Pimblett’s precision and speed were proving to be difficult for the veteran to handle.

Round 2:

As the second round progressed, Chandler seemed to tire slightly, allowing Pimblett to take over with his unorthodox style and slick jiu-jitsu. However, Chandler was still dangerous, landing a few massive bombs that had the crowd on the edge of their seats. The round was competitive, but Pimblett began to edge ahead in terms of control and output.

Round 3:

By the third round, Chandler’s pace had slowed significantly, and Pimblett began to find his rhythm. Pimblett’s striking was sharp, and his ability to avoid Chandler’s heavy punches kept him in the driver’s seat. In the final moments of the round, Paddy Pimblett landed a stunning left hook that dropped Chandler, ending the round on a high note.

Round 4:

Chandler, now fighting for survival, came out in the fourth round looking to put it all on the line. However, Pimblett’s defense was solid, and his movement kept Chandler from landing anything clean. Paddy Pimblett used his superior technique and calm under pressure to maintain control.

Round 5:

In the final round, Paddy Pimblett continued to dominate, landing a barrage of punches that had Chandler on the back foot. After five rounds, the judges scored the fight in favor of Paddy Pimblett.

Result: Paddy Pimblett Wins by Unanimous Decision (48-47, 49-46, 49-46)

Full UFC 314 Results

Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes – Volkanovski wins by unanimous decision (50-45, 50-44, 50-44)
Michael Chandler vs. Paddy Pimblett – Pimblett wins by unanimous decision (48-47, 49-46, 49-46)

UFC 314 was a night to remember, with incredible performances from the fighters in both the main and co-main events. Volkanovski proved once again why he’s considered one of the best in the world, while Paddy Pimblett further solidified his status as a future contender in the lightweight division.