The UFC returns to Miami for UFC 314 at the Kaseya Center, headlined by a featherweight championship clash between former champion Alexander Volkanovski and third-ranked contender Diego Lopes. Volkanovski is looking to recapture the title he held for over four years, while Lopes gets his first UFC title fight riding a five-fight winning streak. The two fighters are competing for the vacant belt following Ilia Topuria’s decision to move up to the lightweight division. Volkanovski has lost three of his last four fights, including back-to-back knockout defeats—first to Islam Makhachev in a lightweight title bout and then to Topuria in February 2024, which ended his featherweight title reign. Despite the recent losses, Volkanovski remains one of the division’s most experienced and respected competitors, while Lopes represents a new generation of UFC title contenders.

The rest of the main card features some of the more intriguing matchups of the year, each with ranking and title implications. In the co-main event, Paddy Pimblett takes on veteran Michael Chandler in a lightweight fight that could move Pimblett closer to a title shot. Former Bellator champion Patricio Pitbull makes his UFC debut against top featherweight Yair Rodriguez in a fight that could serve as a title eliminator. Also, Bryce Mitchell faces rising Brazilian striker Jean Silva in a featherweight matchup.

Alexander Volkanovski def. Diego Lopes via unanimous decision (48-47, 49-46, 49-46)

Alexander Volkanovski reclaimed the UFC featherweight championship with a unanimous decision win over Diego Lopes, becoming a two-time titleholder. The former champion set the tone early, dominating the first round with constant pressure and accurate output. Volkanovski was able to keep a consistent rhythm throughout the fight, effectively controlling the pace and distance. Lopes had his best moments in the fourth round, landing a strong uppercut and forcing Volkanovski to fight off his back foot. However, Volkanovski weathered the storm, using his jab and footwork to regain control and stifle Lopes’s momentum. With the win, Volkanovski joins José Aldo as the only fighters to hold the UFC featherweight title twice and becomes the first fighter over the age of 35 in the lighter weight classes to win a UFC title fight.

Paddy Pimblett def. Michael Chandler via TKO (strikes) at 3:07 of Round 3

Paddy Pimblett gets the biggest win of his career with a dominant third-round TKO over veteran Michael Chandler. Pimblett showcased improved striking and strong control on the ground, dominating the entire fight. In the third round, he landed a flying knee that opened a cut on Chandler and set up the TKO finish. Pimblett attacked with strikes, forcing the stoppage and extending his UFC win streak to seven. With this win, Pimblett is expected to enter the lightweight Top 10 and will most likely be matched up against a Top 5 opponent next.

Yair Rodriguez def. Patricio Pitbull via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Yair Rodriguez spoiled Patricio Pitbull’s UFC debut with a one-sided unanimous decision win. The former interim featherweight champion was the more active and effective fighter throughout, using his kicks and footwork to keep Pitbull from engaging. Rodriguez controlled the range in the first two rounds, neutralizing Pitbull’s offense. In the third, he dropped the former Bellator champion with a clean right hand and closed the fight with a strong ground sequence. The win solidifies Rodriguez as one of the division’s top contenders and keeps him in the title conversation at featherweight.

Jean Silva def. Bryce Mitchell via submission (ninja choke) at 3:52 of Round 2

Jean Silva gets a statement win with a second-round submission victory over Bryce Mitchell. Silva nearly finished the fight in the first round with a guillotine choke but Mitchell was able to escape. In the second round, Silva landed a clean right hand that dropped Mitchell and capitalized by locking in a ninja choke to secure the finish. The win should land Silva into the Top 15 in the featherweight division and adds a notable name to his resume.

Dominick Reyes def. Nikita Krylov via KO (left hand) at 2:24 of Round 1

Dominick Reyes gets a first-round knockout win over Nikita Krylov for his third straight win following a four-fight losing skid. As Krylov charged forward, Reyes timed a perfect left hand that knocked him down to the canvas. The 35-year-old former title challenger is expected to re-enter the light heavyweight Top 10 with this win and is now in position for another run towards a title fight.

UFC 314: Volkanovski vs Lopes Results

• Alexander Volkanovski def. Diego Lopes via unanimous decision (48-47, 49-46, 49-46)
• Paddy Pimblett def. Michael Chandler via TKO (strikes) at 3:07 of Round 3
• Yair Rodriguez def. Patricio Pitbull via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
• Jean Silva def. Bryce Mitchell via submission (ninja choke) at 3:52 of Round 2
• Dominick Reyes def. Nikita Krylov via KO (left hand) at 2:24 of Round 1
• Dan Ige def. Sean Woodson via TKO (strikes) at 1:12 of Round 3
• Virna Jandiroba def. Yan Xiaonan via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
• Chase Hooper def. Jim Miller via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
• Julian Erosa def. Darren Elkins via TKO (strikes) at 4:15 of Round 1
• Michal Oleksiejczuk def. Sedriques Dumas via TKO (strikes) at 2:49 of Round 1
• Sumudaerji def. Mitch Raposo via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
• Marco Tulio def. Tresean Gore via TKO (strikes) at 3:16 of Round 2
• Nora Cornolle def. Hailey Cowan via submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:52 of Round 2