Alex Volkanovski vs Diego Lopes: Predictions, Analysis, and Breakdown

UFC 314 features a compelling match up between Alex Volkanovski and Diego Lopes in the Featherweight Division. Lopes is on an unbeaten run, while Alex is thinking of finding his footing. It’s bound to be an exciting showdown. Who will win this UFC matchup?

Fighters’ Profiles and Strength

Alex Volkanovski – LLWLW

Alex Volkanovski, known as “The Great,” is currently on a two-fight losing streak. He has a professional record of 26 wins and 4 losses. At 36 years old, Volkanovski is coached by Joe Lopez. His last fight was on February 17, 2024, in the UFC, where he lost to Ilia Topuria by a right hook technical knockout in the second round, losing his UFC Featherweight Championship title.

Volkanovski has fought for the UFC Lightweight Championship twice but lost both times. The first loss was to Islam Makhachev by unanimous decision. The second was also to Makhachev, this time by a head kick and hammerfists technical knockout in the first round.

He is ranked 4th Greatest MMA Fighter of All Time, 8th Greatest MMA Striker of All Time, 58th Greatest MMA Grappler of All Time, 8th Best P4P MMA Fighter, and 1st Best MMA Featherweight Fighter. In 2013, he won 3 fights in Roshambo MMA. He then moved to the Australian Fighting Championship (AFC), where he won 4 fights and lost 1. So far, in the UFC, Volkanovski has achieved 13 wins and 3 losses.

Diego Lopes – WWWWW

Diego Lopes has a professional record of 26 wins and 6 losses. After earning three bonuses in his first three UFC fights last year, he is now fighting at UFC 300. Lopes hopes to continue his success and move into the top 15 featherweight contenders by beating Yusuff.

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He spent a few years in other fighting leagues before joining the UFC. He filled in at the last minute against Movsar Evloev last May. Though he lost by unanimous decision, Lopes impressed UFC officials and earned a contract. Since then, he has won both of his UFC fights, finishing each in the first round.

Lopes has lost to Nathan Orchard by armbar, Zack Schneider by rear-naked choke, Nate Richardson by split decision, Joanderson Brito by technical unanimous decision, and Amir Elzhurkaev by knockout.

What time is the fight?

The fight goes live on Saturday 04.12.2025 at 06:00 PM ET

Venue: Kaseya Center, Miami, Florida, United States

How Can I Watch It?

You can watch it on ESPN + and Pay-per-view if you’re interested.

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Statistical Matchup

CATEGORY	ALEX VOLKANOVSKI	DIEGO LOPES
AGE	36	30
HEIGHT	5’6″	5’11”
REACH	71.5″	72.5″
PRO RECORD	26-4-0	26-6-0
FIGHTING OUT OF	Windang, New South Wales, Australia	Puebla de Zaragoza, México

Final Prediction

Volkanovski enters this fight with a strong reputation, having dominated the division for some time with his well-rounded skill set. His striking is precise, his wrestling is formidable, and his cardio allows him to maintain a high pace throughout the fight. He has faced some of the toughest challengers in the division, which adds to his confidence and experience in championship-level bouts.

Diego Lopes, while not as established as Volkanovski, has proven his worth in the cage. His striking is improving, and he’s demonstrated resilience in tough situations. However, facing a seasoned fighter like Volkanovski presents a significant challenge.

This fight is expected to be competitive, but Volkanovski’s overall skill set and experience in high-pressure situations make him the favorite. Nonetheless, Lopes has the potential for an upset if he can implement his submission game effectively or land a game-changing strike.

FIGHT TO GO THE DISTANCE – NO

DIEGO LOPES TO WIN

DIEGO LOPES TO WIN BY KO, DQ, OR TKO