UFC 314 has concluded, marking a significant event where Alexander Volkanovski defied expectations to become a two-time champion.
In the main event on Saturday, Volkanovski secured a clear victory by decision against Diego Lopes, reclaiming the featherweight title. “The Great” achieved a historic milestone, becoming the first fighter under 155 pounds to win UFC gold after the age of 35, especially notable following two consecutive knockout defeats.
Adding to the excitement, the co-main event saw Paddy Pimblett deliver a career-defining performance against Michael Chandler, while Jean Silva dominated Bryce Mitchell in their highly anticipated bout.
With UFC 314 delivering a wealth of talking points, MMA experts gathered to dissect the major themes emerging from this pay-per-view event.
Heck: This event delivered high quality and demonstrated the positive outcomes when the UFC invests effort. When they prioritize quality, the audience responds positively. Overall, a solid A- grade.
Martin: This is arguably the best card of the year so far. Featherweight is experiencing a resurgence, and the UFC might have discovered a new major star beyond Conor McGregor.
Lee: A well-constructed card that restored order to the featherweight division, a premier category in MMA, and elevated Paddy Pimblett`s profile even further.
Meshew: This is a prime example of a top-tier MMA event! It has been a while since the UFC truly committed to creating an exceptional card, and this event was as enjoyable as Saturday`s. They should strive for this level more frequently.
Lee: The featherweight division can now move forward beyond the Ilia Topuria era.
While the prospect of a Topuria versus Islam Makhachev fight is intriguing, there is a sense of disappointment that Topuria`s potential reign at 145 pounds was cut short. Movsar Evloev, Jean Silva, Lerone Murphy, and even newcomer Aaron Pico were all anticipated as compelling future challengers for Topuria. However, the lure of competing in two divisions proved too strong. To his credit, Topuria relinquished the title smoothly, and the UFC 314 main event effectively concluded this chapter.
Alexander Volkanovski is back at the top, creating a positive moment that also allows for growth within the division. Just as Volkanovski previously passed the torch to Topuria, he now has another chance to elevate rising contenders while further solidifying his own legacy.
It`s a fresh start with a familiar and respected figure leading the way.
Heck: Movsar Evloev emerged as a significant winner in the featherweight division at UFC 314, even without competing.
Before discussing Evloev, credit must be given to Volkanovski. He is MMA’s Pedro Martinez – capable of looking like the best ever on any given night. Even when not at his absolute peak, he can still deliver a masterful performance. He implemented an excellent game plan, adhered to it effectively, and despite a setback in the second round, he regained control to finish the fight impressively.
For Evloev, UFC 314 could have been unfavorable. Yair Rodriguez’s dominant win, while impressive, didn’t generate strong fan demand for a title shot. However, with Volkanovski`s victory, only Rodriguez and his team are likely interested in that rematch. Evloev is now in a prime position to contend for the UFC featherweight title.
Martin: Volkanovski is now the featherweight GOAT (Greatest of All Time).
The immediate counter-argument will be Jose Aldo`s seven featherweight title defenses, a record Volkanovski might not surpass. While title defense streaks are important, Volkanovski`s achievement as the first fighter over 35 to win gold in divisions 155 pounds and below is remarkable. Volkanovski is now a two-time champion, mirroring Aldo`s feat of reclaiming the title after losing it to Conor McGregor and then defeating Frankie Edgar after McGregor`s departure from the division.
Volkanovski achieving this at 36 against a young, hungry fighter like Diego Lopes is incredibly impressive. He has now won seven of eight UFC featherweight title fights, and his loss to Ilia Topuria, while significant, wasn`t as devastating as Aldo`s 13-second knockout by McGregor. While the GOAT debate is subjective, Volkanovski solidified his legendary status with Saturday`s win.
Meshew: I disagree with Damon Martin`s GOAT assertion for now. Let`s revisit this discussion when Volkanovski reaches nine title defenses. Even Volkanovski himself acknowledges this.
Volkanovski regaining the title signifies a few things. First, it confirms his exceptional fighting ability. He is undoubtedly among the top 10 fighters of all time, and Saturday’s victory was another highlight in his already decorated career. True legends deliver top performances even when not at their absolute best, and Volkanovski exemplifies this.
However, Volkanovski’s title recapture is somewhat complicated. While it`s a significant achievement, for any fighter other than the popular Volkanovski, his win might be viewed as less ideal because Topuria is still considered the best featherweight. Despite vacating the title, Topuria’s reign is still recent. This situation echoes Daniel Cormier`s light heavyweight title reign being somewhat overshadowed by Jon Jones` presence.
Volkanovski is the rightful UFC champion now, but he may not be considered the best featherweight globally. If Topuria loses his first fight at 155, he might return to featherweight. The most disappointing aspect is Topuria’s title abandonment, as a rematch between him and Volkanovski would be highly anticipated after UFC 314.
Heck: I might be alone on this, but if I were Dana White, Paddy Pimblett would be fighting for the belt next.
Many factors and events will unfold in the coming months, and UFC 315 will provide further clarity. Even if Belal Muhammad retains the welterweight title against Jack Della Maddalena, and the UFC schedules Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria for the lightweight belt, Pimblett should be considered for the winner. If Della Maddalena wins, a Topuria vs. Pimblett fight for the vacant belt when Makhachev moves to 170 pounds could be a compelling option.
The UFC has skillfully managed Pimblett`s career trajectory, fostering his confidence and skill development. Pimblett`s pronouncements are now backed by genuine belief and improved performance.
Could Pimblett be matched against Charles Oliveira or Arman Tsarukyan? Certainly. But given the current momentum and potential, why take unnecessary risks? Even if Pimblett loses a title fight, he would remain a star with significant future matchups and a successful career. The UFC should capitalize on this opportunity.
Lee: I accurately predicted Pimblett vs. Tony Ferguson and Pimblett vs. Michael Chandler, but my prediction for his next opponent is less certain.
It’s Charles Oliveira.
How do we arrive at this? By process of elimination.
Islam Makhachev? Surprisingly plausible, especially considering Dana White`s dismissal of giving Arman Tsarukyan another immediate chance. Continuing the Pimblett wave seems more likely after Saturday`s performance, although it might be premature.
Dustin Poirier or Justin Gaethje? Pimblett might be gaining their attention, but he might not fit Poirier’s “legacy fight” criteria, and Gaethje should first resolve his situation with Dan Hooker.
Therefore, Oliveira emerges as the most logical choice. It`s an exciting stylistic clash and a genuine test, silencing even Pimblett`s harshest critics if he defeats the former lightweight champion. If Oliveira halts Pimblett’s rise, a rematch with Makhachev becomes even more justified.
Martin: While I appreciate Paddy`s suggestion of fighting Charles Oliveira next, why not aim higher and book him against Ilia Topuria for maximum impact?
Despite indications pointing towards Topuria receiving an immediate title shot at 155 pounds, it`s not my preferred direction. While his wins against Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway were impressive, Topuria didn’t fully clear out the featherweight division, and one title defense doesn`t warrant an immediate lightweight title shot against Islam Makhachev.
Topuria could fight Oliveira or Justin Gaethje to earn a title shot, but a fight with Paddy Pimblett would be a massive event, potentially the biggest non-title fight since the Conor McGregor vs. Nate Diaz series, which generated significant pay-per-view sales.
While this would temporarily sideline one of them from title contention, this concept is outdated. Dustin Poirier, “eliminated” from title contention by Gaethje in 2023, received a title shot less than a year later, highlighting that timing and opportunity are crucial in this sport. Booking Pimblett vs. Topuria sooner rather than later would ignite significant hype.
Meshew: Before UFC 314, I considered Pimblett vs. Chandler as the “Ilia Topuria derby,” and I agree with Damon that it`s the best business decision. They have an existing rivalry, both are close to title contention, and a loss wouldn`t be devastating for either. If I were the UFC, this would be the fight to book.
However, as a fan, my perspective shifted on Saturday night. I was not a strong Pimblett believer initially, but he has shown consistent improvement with each fight. On Saturday, he seemed to reach a new level. Pimblett shares some similarities with Dricus du Plessis, and I am now on “team Paddy.” As a new member of the Pimblett Posse, I want to see the Charles Oliveira fight. Pimblett decisively defeated Chandler in a way Oliveira couldn`t, making their stylistic matchup very intriguing.
Heck: While higher-ranked fighters exist, Patricio Pitbull is my answer for a notable figure from UFC 314.
Seeing Pitbull in a UFC octagon was surreal, and my concerns about his signing and the Rodriguez matchup were immediately confirmed when the fight began. Pitbull has significant fight mileage, and while he can still win UFC fights, a title run seems unlikely. There are few fighters in the top 15, or even outside of it, that I would favor Pitbull to beat currently.
Speed has always been a key weapon for Pitbull, but he won’t have that advantage against most of the division. Rodriguez displayed superior speed compared to the Bellator legend, highlighting the difference in recent competition levels. Hopefully, the UFC will give Pitbull a favorable matchup before using him to elevate rising prospects.
Martin: I dislike the term “loser,” but Michael Chandler arguably suffered the most significant loss at UFC 314.
Chandler could previously take solace in his 2-4 UFC record, as all his losses were in exciting fights against former champions: Charles Oliveira (twice), Justin Gaethje, and Dustin Poirier. These were not poor defeats, and he was competitive in each fight.
UFC 314 was different.
Chandler had some early moments, but his stamina seemed to diminish quickly, and Paddy Pimblett overwhelmed him. The fight was not particularly close or exciting, as Chandler was simply dominated. Now, at 38 with a 2-5 UFC record, he may be barely within the top 15 rankings after this loss. Dana White compared Chandler to Arturo Gatti, but Gatti`s career ended with a 1-3 record in his final four fights, including a knockout loss to Floyd Mayweather.
Lee: Sympathy is due for Darren Elkins, a true MMA veteran who must recognize the signs, much like the “Damage” nickname emblazoned across his chest.
Losses are not new for Elkins, who made his 30th UFC appearance on Saturday, nor is he unfamiliar with absorbing prolonged punishment (from which he has often rallied to win!). However, his fight with Julian Erosa felt particularly concerning. He was visibly affected early, then finished with an extended sequence of undefended strikes. It`s hard to imagine anyone watching that and not questioning whether Elkins should consider retirement, especially nearing his 41st birthday.
Of course, referee Mike Beltran was also a loser in this fight. He continues to struggle with late stoppages, even when fighters like Drew Dober rely on him for protection. Beltran`s license should be revoked; enough is enough.
Meshew: My pick for the biggest loser is Diego Lopes, as he may not get another opportunity like this again. Lopes became a fan favorite in the featherweight division after a respectable loss to Movsar Evloev and subsequent wins. However, pre-fight concerns about him were validated. Despite his danger, Lopes lacks strategic depth, and Volkanovski solved him relatively easily.
Lopes likely realizes today that he missed a significant opportunity. He hurt Volkanovski twice, in the second and fourth rounds, but instead of capitalizing aggressively, he allowed Volkanovski to recover. While Volkanovski`s resilience and experience played a role, Lopes also lacked the urgency needed for his fighting style to succeed against Volkanovski. He was out-strategized for most of the 25 minutes.
Lee: Virna Jandiroba entered UFC 314 as the No. 1 strawweight contender and remains the No. 1 strawweight contender after UFC 315.
There was little for Jandiroba to gain from a tough matchup with Yan Xiaonan, but she maximized the opportunity, showcasing her elite grappling to secure a clear decision victory. This wasn`t just a holding pattern for Jandiroba; she strengthened her position as a compelling challenger for Zhang Weili or a participant in a vacant title fight should Zhang move to flyweight.
Despite its placement on the preliminary portion of a pay-per-view, Jandiroba`s win over Yan was well-received by the Miami crowd (in contrast to other grappling-heavy fights that were booed), suggesting she could inject excitement into the flyweight championship picture, regardless of Zhang`s division.
Heck: Dominick Reyes is my choice, mainly because his remarkable story was overshadowed on Saturday night.
Reyes’ fighting career appeared finished after UFC 281 in November 2022. After three brutal knockout losses following a controversial defeat to Jon Jones, people were hesitant to see him fight again. The 35-year-old was becoming a “what-if” in UFC history. However, he is now on a three-fight knockout streak.
While not highly publicized, Reyes had the most impressive finish of the entire event, landing a powerful left hand directly on Nikita Krylov`s face as Krylov rushed in. Unfortunately, he received no bonus.
Reyes` emotional reaction was powerful and perhaps reward enough. I suggest matching him against Carlos Ulberg next. If he wins, give him one last title shot, as achieving that goal would be one of the most remarkable stories in the sport.
Martin: Pound-for-pound, Jean Silva did more for his career this past week than anyone else.
While Paddy Pimblett`s victory over Michael Chandler is a bigger win in terms of name recognition, Silva propelled himself to a new level of stardom by targeting Bryce Mitchell. From mocking Mitchell`s flat Earth beliefs to subtle Inglourious Basterds references leading up to the fight, Silva was strategically building his profile. With four knockout wins, Silva could have pursued a higher-ranked opponent, following a similar path to his teammate Carlos Prates.
Instead, Silva recognized an opportunity after Mitchell`s widely condemned comments about Hitler and the Holocaust in January. Silva dominated Mitchell and choked him unconscious within two rounds. Aside from Kamaru Usman silencing Colby Covington by breaking his jaw, Silva`s victory might be the most celebrated result in recent history, and bigger opportunities now await him.
Meshew: It`s definitively Jean Silva, and it`s not even close.
Yes, the “Lord” persona might be a bit much, but beyond being a skilled fighter, Silva truly made UFC 314 his event. He engaged in significant trash talk and put himself in a position where a loss to Bryce Mitchell would have been a major setback. Instead, Silva dominated Mitchell from the start and finished him with a nasty ninja choke.
Saturday was Jean Silva’s breakout moment. Let’s enjoy his journey.
