​UFC 314 is set to deliver an unforgettable night of mixed martial arts action this Saturday, April 12, 2025, at Miami's Kaseya Center. Headlining the event, former featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski returns to reclaim his title against surging Brazilian Diego Lopes. In the co-main event, a thrilling lightweight bout features fan favorites Michael Chandler and Paddy Pimblett going head to head for the future of the Lightweight division. With additional superstars like Bryce Mitchell and Jean Silva this card presents the best UFC PPV of the year so far! Prelim action begins at 6 p.m. ET, with the main card starting at 10 p.m. ET. Don't miss this stacked card—tune in to ESPN+ PPV to catch all the live action.

Main Card

#1 Alexander Volkanovski vs #3 Diego Lopes
Featherweight Title Bout - 145 lbs

In the main event, featherweight legend Alexander Volkanovski makes his long-awaited return to the title against surging Brazilian sensation Diego Lopes. Widely regarded as the featherweight GOAT, Volkanovski brings elite fight IQ, relentless pace, and the ability to adapt no matter where the fight goes. With six title fight wins under his belt, he’s proven himself time and again at the highest level. However, back-to-back losses to Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria—and a year away from the cage—have sparked questions about what he still has left in the tank. Volkanovski himself admitted he was "gun shy" in his last performance, and how he starts this fight could be crucial.

Standing across from him is Diego Lopes, a breakout star who turned a short-notice debut in 2023 into a rocket ship to a title shot. In less than two years, Lopes has captured fan attention with his aggressive striking, heavy hands, and a submission game that’s both slick and deadly. While his UFC run has been brief, he’s no stranger to high-level preparation, having coached fighters in championship bouts. This marks Lopes’ first five-round fight, and his ability to stay dangerous deep into the championship rounds will be put to the test. It’s a classic battle of experience vs. momentum, and the featherweight crown hangs in the balance.

📺️ UFC Countdown
📺️ UFC 314 - Behind the Scenes

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

#7 Michael Chandler vs #12 Paddy Pimblett
Lightweight Bout - 155 lbs

In the co-main event of the evening, two of the sport’s biggest personalities collide in a high-stakes lightweight showdown. Michael Chandler, a perennial contender and fan favorite, takes on surging star Paddy Pimblett in a clash that could reshape the division. Chandler, known for his explosive athleticism and all-out style, has gone to war with the best at 155—but often to his own detriment, favoring action over strategy. Across the cage, Pimblett enters undefeated in the UFC at 6-0, bringing with him a massive fanbase and the kind of charisma that has made him a breakout star. A former Cage Warriors champion, Pimblett combines high-volume striking with slick jiu-jitsu, though his tendency to take damage on the feet has raised questions. Chandler’s wrestling pedigree could be a major factor, but he often leaves it in his back pocket, choosing instead to come out swinging. With both men known for their chaotic, crowd-pleasing styles, this matchup promises fireworks—and for the winner, a major step forward in their future.

📺️ UFC Countdown
📺️ Pimblett Highlights
📺️ Chandler Interview

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

#5 Yair Rodriguez vs Patricio Pitbull
Featherweight Bout - 145 lbs

Former interim champion Yair Rodriguez welcomes Bellator legend Patricio Pitbull to the UFC in a highly anticipated debut. Pitbull enters the Octagon as one of the most decorated fighters in Bellator history, and he’s diving straight into the deep end against a top-five featherweight in Rodriguez. Known for his explosive striking and creative, unpredictable kicking game, Rodriguez is must-watch every time he steps in the cage. When he’s able to manage distance and keep the fight standing, he’s among the best in the world—but his ground game has been a vulnerability in recent outings. Pitbull, though in the latter stages of his career, brings a wealth of high-level experience and composure from years of championship bouts. A well-rounded fighter with sharp fight IQ, he’s known for crafting smart game plans and gradually breaking down his opponents. It’s a true test of elite striking versus veteran savvy, with major implications for both men’s futures.

📺️ Pitbull Interview
📺️ Rodriguez vs The Korean Zombie

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

#13 Bryce Mitchell vs Jean Silva
Featherweight Bout - 145 lbs

Bryce Mitchell and Jean Silva square off in a matchup that’s taken on a life of its own—one that’s being framed as a battle of good vs. evil. Mitchell, a top-tier wrestler known as much for his dominant ground game as for his outspoken beliefs, claims he’s entering this fight with divine purpose, aiming to defeat what he describes as "the Devil" within Silva. On the other side, Jean Silva—a rising star out of The Fighting Nerds camp—is riding a wave of momentum with a 12-fight win streak, 80% of those victories coming by knockout. A dynamic and dangerous striker, Silva’s explosive style has him on the verge of stardom, but this marks his biggest test yet. Mitchell has long been entrenched at the top of the featherweight division, battling elite competition and proving himself against the best. This is a true clash of styles—wrestling vs. striking, experience vs. momentum—and the fighter who dictates where the fight takes place will likely leave with the win.

📺️ Mitchell vs Gracie
📺️ Silva vs Dober

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

#8 Nikita Krylov vs #11 Dominick Reyes
Light Heavyweight Bout - 205 lbs

Nikita Krylov returns after a two-year layoff, looking to extend his three-fight win streak against a resurgent Dominick Reyes. A versatile and well-rounded fighter, Krylov adapts seamlessly between striking and wrestling, tailoring his approach to each opponent. Standing across from him, Reyes is in the midst of a career resurgence. Once the man who pushed Jon Jones to the brink in their 2020 title fight, Reyes suffered a tough four-fight skid before bouncing back with two straight knockout wins. Known for his powerful striking and fight-ending ability, Reyes looks to prove he’s still a force at light heavyweight. With Krylov’s long absence and Reyes’ recent rollercoaster, this matchup is tough to predict—but it’s loaded with intrigue and potential fireworks.

Prelims

#15 Dan Ige vs Sean Woodson
Featherweight Bout - 145 lbs

Ranked featherweight Dan Ige faces rising contender Sean Woodson in a compelling matchup. Ige, known for his crisp kickboxing and impressive durability, presents a significant step up in competition for Woodson. With a résumé that includes fights against top talent like Diego Lopes, Movsar Evloev, and Bryce Mitchell, Ige brings a level of experience that could be his biggest edge in this matchup. Standing 6'2" with a 7-inch reach advantage, Woodson will look to keep the fight at range, using his sharp boxing to pick his shots and control the pace without forcing a finish.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

#1 Yan Xiaonan vs #3 Virna Jandiroba
Strawweight Bout - 155 lbs

Former title challenger Yan Xiaonan takes on surging contender Virna Jandiroba in a high-stakes clash that could earn Jandiroba her shot at gold. Jandiroba is a relentless grappler, using her elite ground game to smother opponents and control the pace. While her striking isn’t her strongest suit, she uses it effectively to set up takedowns and has ridden that formula to an impressive four-fight win streak. On the other side, Xiaonan brings sharp, technical boxing and a fearless willingness to brawl, making her a constant threat on the feet. This is a classic striker vs. grappler matchup, and whichever fighter can dictate where the fight takes place is likely to come out on top.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Jim Miller vs Chase Hooper
Lightweight Bout - 155 lbs

UFC legend Jim Miller steps in to face rising star Chase Hooper in a clash of generations. Hooper entered the UFC as a raw prospect, trading early wins and losses, but has since found his stride with an impressive four-fight win streak. Each outing has showcased major leaps in his game—sharper striking, improved takedowns, and when paired with his elite grappling, he’s become a serious threat everywhere the fight goes. His recent performances have seen him dominate dangerous opponents with skill and confidence. The most seasoned fighter in UFC history, Miller brings clean boxing, slick submissions, and the kind of veteran savvy that has earned him the most fights and wins in the promotion’s history. This matchup is a true proving ground for Hooper—and another chance for Miller to show he’s still got plenty left in the tank.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Darren Elkins vs Julian Erosa
Featherweight Bout - 145 lbs

Darren Elkins is a battle-tested veteran known for his relentless pressure, cage-cutting footwork, and heavy hands. His elite cardio allows him to keep a relentless pace, smothering opponents with non-stop offense and a strong top game when the fight hits the mat. Across from him, Julian Erosa brings a high-volume striking attack and isn’t afraid to mix in the grappling. He’s dangerous everywhere, with his last two wins coming by slick guillotine submissions. Expect a gritty, high-paced fight between two all-action veterans.

Early Prelims

Sedriques Dumas vs Michal Oleksiejczuk
Middleweight Bout - 185 lbs

Sedriques Dumas, once known for his raw, street-fighting background, has steadily evolved into a more technical striker with each Octagon appearance. He’s shown a solid chin, a composed approach, and comes in well-prepared with smart game plans. On the other side, Michal Oleksiejczuk looks to bounce back from a three-fight skid by leaning into the elite striking that has defined his career—74% of his victories have come by knockout, and he’ll be aiming to add another highlight to his resume.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Sumudaerji vs Mitch Raposo
Flyweight Bout - 125 lbs

Sumudaerji enters this fight looking to snap a three-fight skid as he faces UFC newcomer Mitch Raposo. Known for his lightning-fast hands and sharp, precise striking, Sumudaerji is at his best when he’s in rhythm on the feet and stuffing takedowns—an approach that’s led to 81% of his wins coming by knockout. On the other side, Raposo makes his second trip to the Octagon still hunting for his first UFC victory. At just 26 years old, he’s a slick boxer with crisp technique and the kind of grit that welcomes a brawl. This matchup promises fast hands and plenty of action

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Tresean Gore vs Marco Tulio
Middleweight Bout - 185 lbs

Tresean Gore enters the fight with heavy hands and constant forward pressure, favoring his striking despite a background in wrestling that he’s yet to fully use in the UFC. Across the cage, Marco Tulio steps in for his second UFC fight riding a nine-fight win streak and carrying serious momentum. A well-rounded fighter, Tulio pairs a patient, technical approach on the feet with an aggressive ground game. This matchup presents a strong step up in competition—an opportunity for Tulio to prove he belongs among the next wave of rising contenders.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

#13 Nora Cornolle vs Hailey Cowan
Bantamweight Bout - 135 lbs

Nora Cornolle kicks off the fight card with a matchup against Hailey Cowan. A dynamic and aggressive striker, Cornolle seamlessly blends her weapons whether she's picking opponents apart at range or pressuring them against the cage. When she finds her rhythm on the feet, she’s not only dangerous but exciting to watch—75% of her victories have come by knockout. While wrestling isn’t her strongest asset, she holds her own on the ground with solid Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skill. Cowan returns to action after a two-year layoff, still searching for her first UFC win. Rather than leaning on elite technical ability, Cowan uses her athleticism as her primary weapon, often relying on her physicality to create opportunities in the fight.

Enjoy the Fights!