Volkanovski and Lopes Battle for Featherweight Gold as Topuria Moves Up

A major shift is happening in the UFC’s featherweight division. At UFC 314 on April 12, 2025, in Miami, a new champion will be crowned when Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes fight for the vacant 145-pound title. This bout comes after reigning champion Ilia Topuria vacated his belt to move up to lightweight, leaving the division wide open.

For Volkanovski, this is a chance to reclaim his former glory and prove he’s still the best at 145 pounds. For Lopes, it’s the biggest opportunity of his career, a shot at the belt that seemed out of reach just a year ago. With both fighters carrying high stakes, this main event promises to be an explosive battle.

Topuria’s Move to Lightweight Changes the Landscape

Ilia Topuria, undefeated at 16-0, shocked the MMA world when he dismantled Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298 to claim the featherweight championship. But just months after winning the belt, Topuria has decided to vacate the title and move up to 155 pounds. The Spanish-Georgian fighter has long struggled with the featherweight weight cut and believes his natural frame is better suited for lightweight.

His coach, Jorge Climent, explained that the cut to 145 pounds had become too extreme for Topuria. According to Climent, the now-former champion walks around at 85 kg (187 lbs) outside of camp, making the drop to featherweight incredibly difficult.

Many in the MMA world believe this move will set up a future showdown with UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. Topuria has also expressed interest in high-profile fights against Charles Oliveira, Justin Gaethje, Dustin Poirier, and Paddy Pimblett.

With Topuria officially moving on, the featherweight division will have a new champion after UFC 314.

Volkanovski’s Road to Redemption

Alexander Volkanovski is regarded as one of the greatest featherweights of all time, but the last year has been the toughest of his career. The former champion dominated the division for nearly five years, securing victories over elite opponents like Max Holloway, Brian Ortega, and José Aldo.

However, his reign ended in 2024 with two devastating losses. In October 2023, Volkanovski stepped in on 11 days’ notice to challenge Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title at UFC 294, suffering a brutal head kick knockout. Four months later, he returned to defend his featherweight belt against Ilia Topuria but was knocked out in the second round.

Now, at 35 years old, Volkanovski is determined to prove that he is still the top fighter in the division. His camp has focused on improving his defense, refining his striking, and extending his fight longevity.

“I’ve made adjustments, I’ve learned from my mistakes, and I’m coming back better than ever,” Volkanovski said. “People doubt me, but that’s when I thrive.”

Diego Lopes: From Prospect to Title Contender

If Volkanovski is looking to reclaim his throne, Diego Lopes is fighting to take it for the first time. Just two years ago, Lopes was an unknown fighter making his UFC debut on short notice against Movsar Evloev. Despite losing, he showed resilience, slick submissions, and a dangerous striking game, immediately earning respect in the division.

Since then, Lopes has won five consecutive fights, including victories over Sodiq Yusuff, Gavin Tucker, and Brian Ortega. His aggressive fighting style, knockout power, and jiu-jitsu skills have made him a dangerous opponent for anyone at 145 pounds.

Lopes’ most significant win came in September 2024, when he dominated former title challenger Brian Ortega to earn a unanimous decision victory. That performance solidified his place as a top contender and secured his shot at the belt.

“I’ve worked my entire life for this,” Lopes said. “Volkanovski is one of the best to ever do it, but I’m coming to take his place.”

UFC 314 Full Fight Card

Featherweight: Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes
Lightweight: Michael Chandler vs. Paddy Pimblett
Featherweight: Patricio “Pitbull” Freire vs. Yair Rodriguez
Welterweight: Geoff Neal vs. Carlos Prates
Light Heavyweight: Nikita Krylov vs. Dominick Reyes
Featherweight: Dan Ige vs. Sean Woodson
Women’s Strawweight: Virna Jandiroba vs. Yan Xiaonan
Lightweight: Chase Hooper vs. Jim Miller
Bantamweight: Alberto Montes vs. Roberto Romero
Flyweight: Su Mudaerji vs. Mitch Raposo
Featherweight: Darren Elkins vs. Julian Erosa
Middleweight: Sedriques Dumas vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk

What’s at Stake at UFC 314?

For Volkanovski, this is a must-win fight to prove he remains at the top of the division. If he loses, it could mark the end of his title aspirations.

For Lopes, this is his chance to become a UFC champion for the first time. A victory would instantly make him one of the biggest breakout stars in the sport.

With the featherweight division entering a new era, UFC 314 is shaping up to be one of the most significant events of 2025. The stakes have never been higher, and fans can expect fireworks when Volkanovski and Lopes collide for the title.

Source: MMAnytt.se

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