MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom goes in-depth to break down the biggest fights in the UFC. Today, he takes a closer look at the UFC 314 main event between Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes for the vacant featherweight championship.
Alexander Volkanovski UFC 314 preview
Staple info:
- Record: 26-5 MMA, 13-4 UFC
- Height: 5'6" Age: 36 Weight: 145 lbs. Reach: 71.5"
- Last fight: Knockout loss to Ilia Topuria (Feb. 17, 2024)
- Camp: Freestyle Fighting Gym/Bangtao Muay Thai (Australia)
- Stance/striking style: Switch-stance/kickboxing
- Risk management: Excellent
Supplemental info:
+ UFC featherweight champion
+ Regional MMA titles
+ Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt
+ National wrestling gold medalist
+ 13 KO victories
+ 3 submission wins
+ 7 first-round finishes
+ KO power
+ Consistent pace and pressure
+ Excellent feints and footwork
+ Accurate shot selection and counters
^ Educated lead hand and hard leg kicks
+ Solid wrestling ability
^ Takedowns, transitions, scrambles
+ Good ground striking from topside
Diego Lopes UFC 314 preview
Staple info:
- Record: 27-6 MMA, 6-1 UFC
- Height: 5'11" Age: 30 Weight: 145 lbs. Reach: 72.5"
- Last fight: Decision win over Brian Ortega (Sept. 14, 2024)
- Camp: Brazilian Warriors/Legacy MMA (Mexico)
- Stance/striking style: Orthodox/kickboxing
- Risk management: Fair
Supplemental info:
+ Regional MMA titles
+ Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt
+ Multiple grappling accolades
+ 10 KO victories
+ 12 submission wins
+ 15 first-round finishes
+ Knockout power
+ Aggressive pace and pressure
+ Improved boxing ability
^ Accurate left hook and uppercut returns
+ Hard calf kicks
+ Excellent transitional grappler
^ Dynamic submission game
+ Dangerous off of back
^ Attacks from high-to-low
Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes point of interest: Featherweight fireworks
