UFC 314: Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes – Full Preview for This Saturday

Introduction

The highly anticipated UFC 314 is set for this Saturday, April 12, 2025, live from the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida.

This event has all the ingredients to become one of the most memorable nights of the year for MMA fans — with a featherweight title fight, explosive matchups, and top contenders all sharing the Octagon.

Let’s dive into the full event preview, including fight card, start times, and where to watch!


Event Details

  • 📅 Date: Saturday, April 12, 2025

  • 📍 Location: Kaseya Center, Miami, Florida, USA

  • ⏰ Start Times (Brasília Time):

    • Preliminary Card: from 7 PM

    • Main Card: from 11 PM

  • 📺 Where to Watch:

    • ESPN (Cable TV)

    • Star+ (Streaming platform, full event)

Note: Times are local for Brazil — make sure to adjust for your time zone!


Main Event: Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes (Featherweight Title Fight)

Alexander Volkanovski, the former featherweight king, is back in action, aiming to reclaim his crown after a tough loss to Ilia Topuria.

Facing him is Brazilian sensation Diego Lopes, who has been on a meteoric rise and is now ready for the biggest opportunity of his career.

  • Volkanovski is known for his relentless pace, iron cardio, and tactical precision. A former champion with wins over legends like Max Holloway and José Aldo, he’s hungry to get his belt back.

  • Diego Lopes, on the other hand, has become a fan favorite with his slick submissions and knockout power, and he’s aiming to shock the world.

🔥 What to expect: A high-paced, technical battle. Volkanovski enters as the favorite, but Lopes carries the hopes of Brazil and has the tools for a major upset.


Co-Main Event: Michael Chandler vs. Paddy Pimblett (Lightweight Bout)

A clash of generations and styles!
Veteran warrior Michael Chandler takes on the charismatic and undefeated UFC fighter Paddy "The Baddy" Pimblett in a showdown with serious title implications.

  • Chandler brings explosive power and deep experience from epic battles in both Bellator and UFC.

  • Pimblett, riding high with his unbeaten UFC record, is eager to prove himself against a top-tier lightweight contender.

💥 Expect fireworks! This fight is scheduled for five rounds and promises to be a fan favorite.


Other Main Card Fights (Don’t Miss!)

Yair Rodriguez vs. Patrício “Pitbull” Freire (Featherweight Bout)

A high-stakes battle between former interim UFC champion Yair Rodriguez and Bellator legend Patrício Pitbull, making his UFC debut! Pitbull looks to make an immediate impact, while Yair fights to stay in title contention.

Bryce Mitchell vs. Jean Silva (Featherweight Bout)

Featherweight rising star Jean Silva from Brazil faces off against grappling ace Bryce Mitchell. Expect a fierce clash of styles!

Nikita Krylov vs. Dominick Reyes (Light Heavyweight Bout)

Two hungry contenders meet as Reyes looks to rebound from setbacks, while Krylov eyes a run toward the top of the division.


Preliminary Card Highlights

The prelims are stacked with action, featuring more Brazilian fighters and future stars:

  • Dan Ige vs. Sean Woodson (Featherweight Bout)

  • Yan Xiaonan vs. Virna Jandiroba (Women’s Strawweight Bout) 🇧🇷

  • Jim Miller vs. Chase Hooper (Lightweight Bout)

  • Darren Elkins vs. Julian Erosa (Featherweight Bout)

  • Bruna Brasil vs. Denise Gomes (Women’s Strawweight Bout) 🇧🇷

  • Don'Tale Mayes vs. Caio Machado (Heavyweight Bout) 🇧🇷

🥋 Plenty of Brazilian power on display across the card!


Why UFC 314 Is Unmissable

  • Featherweight title fight: Volkanovski aims for redemption, Lopes fights for glory.

  • Pitbull’s UFC debut: Bellator’s finest enters the biggest MMA stage.

  • Chandler vs. Pimblett: Veteran vs. rising star in a five-round war.

  • High-level Brazilian representation across the main and preliminary cards.

  • Exciting matchups across the board, promising finishes and action!


Final Thoughts

UFC 314 is set to be a truly unforgettable night of fights!
With a world title on the line, legends making their debut, and rising stars looking to steal the spotlight, this card has something for every MMA fan.

Be sure to mark your calendar, tune in live, and get ready for a night of adrenaline-fueled action!

💥 Tip: Stay connected with Thai Shark for post-fight coverage and breakdowns, and gear up like a champ with our fight gear collection.

Enjoy the fights! 🥊🦈