Michael Bolton
UFC 314 will see the return of Alexander Volkanovski as he takes on Diego Lopes for the vacant featherweight title in Miami.
After Illa Topuria vacated the title to move up to lightweight, former champion Volkanovski has the opportunity to become champion of the division he dominated for so long.
After defeating Max Holloway in 2019 to become the best at 145 pounds, the Australian fighter was knocked out by Topuria at UFC 298, just three months after he was knocked out by Islam Makhachev.
After being such an active champion, this will be his first fight in 14 months, a break that could be to his benefit.
Standing across from him on Saturday night will be Lopes, who has had a quick rise through the sport, having only joined the UFC in 2023.
A fighter with very powerful and quick boxing, Lopes will look for the finish at every opportunity, while his submissions are not to be overlooked.
If Volkanovski can survive the early storm, he will use his experience to find a way to victory. His boxing skills are among the best in the sport.
The biggest question is what Volkanovski we will see. Is he slowing down due to age, and what effect will a break after two brutal knockouts have?
In the co-main event of UFC 314, two fan favourites match up in the lightweight division as Michael Chandler takes on Paddy Pimblett.
Chandler returned to the sport after a two-year break when he lost to Charles Olivera at UFC 309, with his record in the UFC now 2-4.
Always an exciting fighter, he will face an awkward test in Liverpool fighter Pimblett, who his preparing for the biggest fight if his career.
6-0 so far in the UFC, Pimblett could set himself up in the title picture with a win on Saturday. His last fight saw him submit King Green at UFC 304 last July.
Photo: Sofascore.
Pimblett will use his grappling as a route to victory, with his submissions some of the most dangerous in the UFC.
If Chandler can land with his power early, it could be a difficult night for Pimblett, who does keep his chin in the air.
However, Chandler has been prone to move away from game plans for the sake of entertainment, which could be his downfall once again.
It is a big night for the featherweight division, with Yair Rodriguez welcoming former Bellator Champion Patricio Pitbull to the UFC.
At the age of 37, Pitbull is likely to be in the UFC for a good time, and not a long time.
With 24 of his 36 wins coming via finish, expect fireworks from Pitbull, who, like Rodriguez, rarely delivers a boring fight.
Photo: Sofascore.
Rodriguez will use his kicks and unpredictable style as the path to victory, but could be exposed on the ground, where Pitbull has the edge.
Elsewhere at 145 pounds, Jean Silva will hope to continue his surge in the UFC when he faces Bryce Mitchell.
