Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes UFC 314 Odds & Predictions

UFC 314 is the most exciting fight card that the UFC has brought us in a long time. This high-stakes card is the perfect chance for rising star Diego Lopes to cement himself in the UFC upper echelon. In order to do that, he will have to take down one of the biggest legends currently active in the UFC.

The vacant 145-pound title will be on the line as Diego Lopes takes on former champion Alexander Volkanovski. This matchup for UFC 314 promises fireworks as the surging Brazillian wildcard aims for the belt and Volkanovski looks to reclaim his throne and further his legacy as one of the greatest fighters of all time.

Volkanovski vs. Lopes UFC 314 Odds

Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes Match Details

• Date and Time: April 12, 2025, @ 10:00 PM EST
• Location: Kaseya Center – Miami, FL

Alexander Volkanovski Seeks a Second Title Reign

Even at 36 years old, Alexander “The Great” Volkanovski remains one of MMA’s most technically refined fighters. A former long-reigning featherweight champion, Volkanovski’s resume already has him locked for the Hall of Fame. He has wins over legends like Jose Aldo and 3 wins over Max Halloway, among others. After losing his title via knockout to Ilia Topuria in February of 2024, Volkanovski took a deliberate hiatus.

He cited mental and physical rejuvenation as his reasons for the break. Fight week photos reveal a chiseled, focused version of “Volk”. Should his conditioning match his elite fight IQ he has dissected longer, rangier foes in the past like Holloway. He is 7-2 in UFC title fights, a resume of five-round bouts that can not be underrated. They just lead to the concern that his recent knockouts and age have lead to too much wear and tear on his body.

Back to back knockouts against Topuria and Islam Makhachev raise questions about his chin. “Volk” also has an 82% takedown defense rate in the UFC and holds a good chance to neautralize Lopes’ submissions. Look for Lopes to test the older man’s chin instead of trying the ground battle.

Diego Lopes Looks To Bring Chaos Into the Octagon

Diego Lopes rise has been nothing short of electric. The 30-year old Brazillian, a former LUX Fight League champion, has terrorized the featherweight division in the UFC with three straight finishes.

He is armed with unorthodox striking and lethal jiu-jitsu, the latter of which has earned him 14 career submissions. While this does mark his first ever UFC main event, Lopes is no stranger to five round wars, having competed in title bouts regionally. Expect him to look to turn this fight into a scrap against Volkanovski and bludgeon him to test his recent vulnerabilities.

While known as a grappling specialist Lopes has greatly improved his striking recently. His 4 knockout wins hold testament to the legitimacy of his striking power. His guillotine and triangle chokes are also dangerous fight enders and make Lopes deadly at all levels from standing up to on his back. Critics of Lopes question his ability to manage his aggressive pace going into this fight.

They believe that if Volkanovski is able to drag this fight into the deep waters that Lopes’ chaos first style could backfire for the UFC 314. He has never been tested on a stage this big like the UFC 314 against a fighter like “Volk” who can mix elite striking and defensive wrestling.

Prediction for UFC 314

Look for Lopes to turn this into a firefight immediately. Swarming Volkanovski early on could expose the Australian’s recent susceptibility to aggression. If “Volk” is truly washed as some think, this one looks to be an early finish, either by knockout or submission.

Final Pick for UFC 314

Diego Lopes to win and the fight to NOT go the distance (+167)