Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes in UFC 314: Predictions, odds for bout
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Alexander Volkanovski will enter the octagon to face Diego Lopes for the vacant featherweight title at 145 pounds at UFC 314 in Miami on Saturday.
Volkanovski with a record of 26-4 is currently on a two-fight losing streak, having suffered a knockout loss to Islam Makhachev in UFC 294 in October 2023, followed by another knockout defeat to Ilia Topuria in UFC 298 in February 2024. He is eager to get back to winning ways. Volkanovski has been open about his struggles with mental health; despite going through some tough times, he has found ways to stay busy and maintain his well-being.
Lopes enters the fight against the former champion as the underdog, despite boasting a five-fight win streak and a record of 26-6. In 2024, Lopes fought three times: he secured a knockout victory over Sodiq Yusuff in April, defeated Dan Ige in June, and triumphed over Brian Ortega in September by unanimous decision. Lopes has not lost a fight since May 2023, when he fell to Movsar Evloev by unanimous decision.
Here are the current predictions and odds ahead of UFC 314 at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida.
More: UFC 314 fight card: Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes date, time, TV, live stream
UFC 314: Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes predictions
MMA Junkies: Lerone Murphy picks Volkanovski
Matthew Wells and Ken Hathaway write: "I think it's a great fight – I think they're both top fighters, both exciting fighters," Murphy said at a post-fight news conference. "Two very high-level competitors, but I think maybe, I can see Volk winning late rounds with the cardio and the experience, but who knows?"
MMA Weekly: Robert Whittaker picks Volkanovski
Jeff Cain writes on behalf of Whittakers comments: "Makhachev 1 Volk I believe beats Diego Lopes. Volk's skillset and just his composure, his toughness, his grit, his fight IQ, his ability to fight in the octagon, is second to none. He's amazing, but with all the other factors we looked into, what Volk are we going to see."
Boxing News: Leaning toward Lopez
Staff writes: "It's a very interesting fight. Diego Lopes has been on an absolute hot streak, and his boxing is very sharp. Volkanovski hasn't had the best performances lately, but he's still the GOAT and an amazing athlete. However, I'm actually leaning towards Lopes. I believe he has what it takes to grab the belt. Even though Volkanovski is one of the greatest, I think Lopes, with his momentum, will put himself in a better position heading into that fight."
UFC 314: Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes Odds
Odds according to BetMGM as of Tuesday, April 8.
Alexander Volkanovski: -125
-125 Diego Lopes: +105
How to watch UFC 314: Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes?
The UFC 314 main card is scheduled to begin at 10 p.m. ET on Saturday, April 12. The fights will be available after ordering the event on ESPN+ Pay-Per-View.
The preliminary fights are set to start at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN and ESPN+. The early prelims will be available on UFC Fight Pass starting at 6 p.m. ET.
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