Alexander Volkanovski faces immense pressure. After losing his featherweight title to Ilia Topuria at UFC 298, Volkanovski returns to fight Diego Lopes in the main event of UFC 314. A legend and future Hall of Famer, Volkanovski needs a win to stay relevant, while a loss could signal the decline of his career.
What are the stakes for Volkanovski and Lopes? MMA experts Alexander K. Lee, Damon Martin, and Jed Meshew analyze the key storylines for UFC 314, arguably the year`s most anticipated pay-per-view event.
Lee: Yes, this is crucial for Volkanovski.
The “Old Man Volk” persona is amusing, but it highlights a real issue in fighting. At 36, Volkanovski isn`t old in life years, but he has significant fight mileage. Thirteen years as a professional and thirty fights, many against top opponents, take a toll.
If Volkanovski doesn`t regain his title, what`s next? Moving to 155 pounds might be uninspiring. While he could have interesting fights against other veterans, without title aspirations, what`s his motivation?
It`s difficult to imagine Volkanovski making another run at the 145-pound title. This is an ideal opportunity with Topuria absent and a beatable opponent in Diego Lopes. Such a chance might not reappear.
Retirement isn`t the end, but Volkanovski has achieved enough that retiring after a loss at UFC 314 would be understandable.
Meshew: While anything is possible, this fight is decisive for Volkanovski, especially regarding the title picture.
Volkanovski is arguably a top 10 all-time fighter. However, age affects everyone, and it seems to be catching up with him. He`s lost three of his last four fights, the last two by knockout. These losses can be explained away, but if Lopes defeats Volkanovski decisively, it will be clear he`s past his prime. MMA history shows fighters rarely return to the top after declining, even if they remain active.
But a loss isn`t the end. MMA offers fights beyond title contention. Volkanovski could still have exciting “legends fights” with names like Charles Oliveira, Justin Gaethje, or Dustin Poirier. If his focus is solely on titles, then this fight is do or die. But he can continue competing if he desires.
If Volkanovski wins against Lopes, he won`t be seen as the true champion with Topuria holding the belt. Still, it would be a significant win and further solidify his legacy.
Martin: In the UFC, where Dustin Poirier can get a title shot after a knockout loss and a win against a lesser opponent, is anyone truly finished?
However, Volkanovski is in a make-or-break situation after two knockout losses and being 36 (soon to be 37). Lighter weight classes are tough for older fighters, so this might be his last chance to reclaim the featherweight title.
His legacy is secure as a featherweight great, but losing to Makhachev, Topuria, and potentially Lopes would be a disappointing end to his reign. Conversely, winning and becoming a two-time champion at his age would strengthen his GOAT status alongside Jose Aldo and Max Holloway.
Martin: Relevancy is at stake, differently for both fighters in the co-main event.
For Chandler, it`s easy to forget he only has two UFC wins, one against a declining Tony Ferguson. His knockout debut against Dan Hooker was impressive, but he can`t rely on exciting losses. While his losses are to top fighters, a loss to Pimblett, a fringe top 15 fighter, would drop his UFC record to 2-5 and diminish his standing at 155 pounds.
Pimblett has the chance to prove he`s an elite lightweight. His potential is debated. A win against Chandler, regardless of Chandler`s record, would be impressive and establish Pimblett as a serious lightweight contender.
Lee: The loser of the Chandler vs. Pimblett fight will likely never contend for a UFC title.
This might seem harsh or obvious depending on your view of Chandler and Pimblett. Pimblett is underrated, his persona overshadowing his skills. He`s a strong grappler, hits hard, and is tough to finish.
Chandler shares some similarities, being a respected striker with a questionable chin. His big persona creates high expectations, but his results are mixed, and he lacks the notoriety of rivals like McGregor.
Chandler vs. Pimblett is about survival, relevance, and keeping slim title hopes alive.
Meshew: Initially, I thought the fight was for a title shot, but it`s more about the Ilia Topuria sweepstakes.
The lightweight title picture is unclear. Makhachev awaits a contender. Tsarukyan missed his chance, and other contenders don`t stand out. Topuria is desired for a title shot but hasn`t earned it. Makhachev wants him to “beat one dude” first. Here`s that “dude”.
Pimblett`s connection to Topuria is obvious. They have a rivalry, and Pimblett, if successful, becomes a contender to face Topuria. Chandler, popular but impacted by the McGregor situation, could be given a No. 1 contender fight against Topuria as compensation. For Topuria, Chandler is a winnable, high-profile fight. If Chandler wins, he should call out Topuria, not McGregor, and move to lightweight.
Meshew: I`m not excited about the Silva fight due to controversy. However, Krylov vs. Reyes is exciting!
Reyes is on a two-fight win streak after a four-fight losing streak. Krylov has won three straight but has been inactive. It`s a matchup of streaking light heavyweights!
The fight is appealing because it should be entertaining. Reyes seems revitalized, and Krylov is always in exciting fights. These fighters will likely engage in a fast-paced, unpredictable bout.
Martin: Many will say Pitbull`s UFC debut is most exciting, but Silva vs. Mitchell is my pick.
Silva is an action fighter with highlight finishes. Mitchell is known for controversial beliefs.
A Silva win would boost his popularity, especially with a dominant finish. A Mitchell win could lead to a shocking post-fight interview.
Lee: While Pitbull is an obvious choice, I`m most interested in Miller vs. Hooper.
Hooper, at 23, was once questioned if he belonged in the UFC. Now, after four wins, he faces UFC veteran Jim Miller.
This is a fight many have wanted. It`s intriguing because Hooper`s potential and Miller`s career stage are uncertain. It could be a passing of the torch or just another step in both fighters` long UFC careers. The outcome is unpredictable.
It should be a fun and fascinating fight, whether standing or on the ground, with potential for wild exchanges and the realization of the age gap between them.
MMA always surprises.
