UFC 314: Volkanovski vs Lopes Showcases Explosive Fights in Miami
Miami (WE)-The UFC returned to the vibrant city of Miami for UFC 314: Volkanovski vs Lopes, and the action started early with an electric prelim card at the Kaseya Center. Fans were treated to a variety of finishes, from first-round knockouts to slick submissions, as fighters from all over the world made their case for a future in the UFC.
The spotlight was on the featherweight and lightweight divisions, but the prelims had a few standout moments that had the crowd buzzing. Here’s everything you need to know about the UFC 314 prelims as we get ready for the main card.
Julian Erosa Shines with First-Round TKO Victory Over Darren Elkins
Result: Julian Erosa def. Darren Elkins by TKO (strikes) at 4:15 of Round 1
The night opened with fireworks as Julian Erosa scored an explosive first-round finish. He overwhelmed veteran Darren Elkins with a series of unanswered strikes.
Erosa started strong, landing a sharp jab and following it with a crushing upkick that left Elkins stunned. He then swarmed with punches, forcing the referee to step in at 4:15 of Round 1. It marked Erosa’s third straight first-round victory.
Now 31-11 overall, the 34-year-old is building serious momentum. With a three-fight win streak, Erosa is rising fast in the featherweight division. A matchup with a top-15 contender could be next.
Michal Oleksiejczuk Ends Losing Streak with Impressive TKO Victory
Result: Michal Oleksiejczuk def. Sedriques Dumas by TKO (strikes) at 2:49 of Round 1
Michal Oleksiejczuk got back to winning ways with a stunning first-round TKO victory over Sedriques Dumas. Oleksiejczuk, fresh off a three-fight losing streak, came out aggressive, stalking Dumas and controlling the pace from the start. After a big combination, Oleksiejczuk knocked Dumas off balance, following up with strikes that led to the referee calling the fight off at 2:49 of Round 1.
The win puts Oleksiejczuk back on track, improving his record to 19-8 (1 NC). With his aggressive striking and finishing ability, he’s once again a dangerous competitor in the middleweight division.
Sumudaerji Outpoints Mitch Raposo to Snap Losing Streak
Result: Sumudaerji def. Mitch Raposo by Split Decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
In a closely contested flyweight bout, Sumudaerji bounced back from a three-fight skid to earn a split-decision victory over Mitch Raposo. Throughout the fight, Sumudaerji kept Raposo at range with precise strikes, landing the cleaner punches from distance. Despite Raposo’s grappling attempts, Sumudaerji displayed solid takedown defense and kept control for most of the fight.
After three rounds of action, the judges scored the bout in favor of Sumudaerji, giving him the win with two of the three judges scoring it 29-28 in his favor. The victory moves Sumudaerji to 17-7 and may signal a return to the form that saw him once labeled as a promising prospect in the flyweight division.
Marco Tulio Impresses Again with TKO Over Tresean Gore
Result: Marco Tulio def. Tresean Gore by TKO (strikes) at 3:16 of Round 2
Brazilian middleweight Marco Tulio extended his undefeated streak to 10-0 with an impressive second-round TKO victory over Tresean Gore. The two fighters went toe-to-toe in a fast-paced opening round, but it was Tulio’s ability to vary his attack that gave him the edge. In the second, Tulio landed a vicious head kick that stunned Gore, followed by a barrage of strikes that forced the referee to intervene at 3:16.
Tulio, who previously made an impact on Dana White’s Contender Series (DWCS), has now made a statement in the UFC with back-to-back stoppage victories. He’s definitely a fighter to watch in the middleweight division as he continues his rise.
Nora Cornolle Submits Hailey Cowan in Round 2
Result: Nora Cornolle def. Hailey Cowan by Submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:52 of Round 2
Nora Cornolle, a decorated kickboxer from France, picked up a dominant submission victory over Hailey Cowan in the second round. Although Cornolle spent much of the first round on the bottom, she found her rhythm in Round 2. After a quick scramble, Cornolle transitioned to Cowan’s back and locked in a rear-naked choke that forced Cowan to tap at 1:52.
Cornolle now improves to 3-1 in the UFC and will look to continue her momentum as she develops her ground game. However, her missing weight for the fight will likely be a topic for discussion in the future.
Dan Ige vs Sean Woodson – Featherweight Fireworks Incoming
In the night’s featured prelim, Dan Ige will square off against rising contender Sean Woodson. This featherweight matchup is expected to deliver an exciting scrap, as both fighters are looking to make a name for themselves in the division.
Ige, known for his power and toughness, will be looking to halt Woodson’s impressive seven-fight unbeaten streak. Meanwhile, Woodson enters the bout full of confidence, having shown considerable improvements in his striking.
Full recap coming soon in our UFC 314 main card results.
Looking Ahead to the Main Card
The excitement doesn’t stop with the prelims. The UFC 314 main card is stacked with compelling matchups:
- Alexander Volkanovski vs Diego Lopes for the vacant UFC Featherweight title.
- Michael Chandler vs Paddy Pimblett in a highly anticipated lightweight battle.
UFC 314: Volkanovski vs Lopes has already delivered a thrilling prelim card, and we can’t wait to see what the main card has in store. From explosive finishes to skillful submissions, tonight’s event is shaping up to be one for the books. Don’t miss a moment of the action from Miami!
Read More:
UFC 311: Makhachev vs Tsarukyan 2 – Championship Fight Preview and Event Details
Trump, Elon Musk, and a Star-Studded Crew Show Up at UFC 314 in Miami
