On a blazing night of MMA action, Australian Alexander Volkanovski proved he’s still “The Great”, defeating Brazilian Diego Lopes by unanimous decision in the main event of UFC 314, reclaiming the vacant featherweight (under 66 kg) title with a brilliant tactical performance.
Round 1: Smart start and ground control
Lopes entered the fight confidently, looking to trade strikes at the center of the cage. But Volkanovski remained calm and composed, focusing on sharp counters. A powerful strike dropped his opponent, and the Australian took the fight to the ground with dominant wrestling and ground-and-pound.
Round 2: A surprising punch shifts momentum
Volkanovski kept up his dominance with clean strikes and distance management. However, in the final seconds, Diego Lopes caught him with a precise back punch that dropped him, signaling the fight was still very much alive.
Rounds 3 & 4: A battle of IQ and experience
In round 3, Lopes tried to press his advantage, but Volkanovski quickly regained control. Using his cage experience, he dictated the pace and frustrated the Brazilian. In the fourth, he kept landing and took advantage of Lopes’ fatigue.
Round 5: The champion’s composure
In the final round, Volkanovski remained focused, avoiding unnecessary risks. Lopes seemed eager to trade, but “The Great” stuck to his game plan with discipline until the final bell.
The big comeback
By unanimous decision (48-47, 49-46, 49-46), Alexander Volkanovski reclaimed the title vacated by Ilia Topuria. It is the second time in his career that the Australian captures the UFC featherweight belt.
The king is back! Volkanovski claims his second featherweight title by unanimous decision 🇦🇺👑
الملك يعود! فولكانوفسكي يحصد لقب الريشة للمرة الثانية بقرار جماعي 🇦🇺👑
Le roi est de retour ! Volkanovski décroche son deuxième titre des poids plumes par décision unanime 🇦🇺👑 pic.twitter.com/9j73f0hvD7
— mmamag.ma (@jamalsoussi10) April 13, 2025
He makes a strong comeback after two consecutive knockout losses to Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria. Volkanovski continues to write his legacy.
