Alexander Volkanovski has successfully reclaimed the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) featherweight championship by defeating Diego Lopes via unanimous decision at UFC 314 in Miami, with United States President Donald Trump in attendance.
Two judges scored the match 49-46, while the third judge scored it 48-47, as the Australian mixed martial artist claimed victory early Sunday.
Volkanovski, who had previously defended his title four times before losing to Israel Makhachev on February 11, 2023, expressed his satisfaction with his comeback.
Lopes acknowledged the champion’s win, emphasizing that it wasn’t the end of his own journey.
Those in attendance included Trump, a longtime supporter of the UFC and its president and CEO Dana White, as well as sports and political figures like Shaquille O’Neal, Tulsi Gabbard, Marco Rubio, Robert F Kennedy Jr, and Elon Musk.
The battle saw Volkanovski dominate the first three rounds, despite an eye injury sustained in the second round, although Lopes attempted to capitalize in the fourth round without finalizing the win.
With a knockout unlikely in the fifth round, Volkanovski’s persistence placed him on the path to victory. Volkanovski had hoped for a rematch against Ilia Topuria, who had shifted to the lightweight division, leaving the featherweight title open.
Lopes, the third-ranked challenger, faced Volkanovski for the first time, marking his first title fight. The bout ended Lopes’s winning streak of five matches.
Volkanovski’s recent record included three losses in four fights, making this a significant comeback. His extended layoff following a defeat in February 2024 and overall rest from the demanding fight pace may have contributed to his victory.
Paddy Pimblett advanced in the lightweight division by achieving a technical knockout against Michael Chandler in the co-main event, expressing his aspirations for the world title. Chandler, with a record of 23-10, faces a critical juncture after winning only two of his last seven fights.
Bryce Mitchell, who previously sparked controversy with comments endorsing Adolf Hitler, faced Jean Silva in a featherweight matchup. Silva secured victory via submission with a guillotine choke in the second round.
Two judges scored the match 49-46, while the third judge scored it 48-47, as the Australian mixed martial artist claimed victory early Sunday.
Volkanovski, who had previously defended his title four times before losing to Israel Makhachev on February 11, 2023, expressed his satisfaction with his comeback.
Lopes acknowledged the champion’s win, emphasizing that it wasn’t the end of his own journey.
Those in attendance included Trump, a longtime supporter of the UFC and its president and CEO Dana White, as well as sports and political figures like Shaquille O’Neal, Tulsi Gabbard, Marco Rubio, Robert F Kennedy Jr, and Elon Musk.
The battle saw Volkanovski dominate the first three rounds, despite an eye injury sustained in the second round, although Lopes attempted to capitalize in the fourth round without finalizing the win.
With a knockout unlikely in the fifth round, Volkanovski’s persistence placed him on the path to victory. Volkanovski had hoped for a rematch against Ilia Topuria, who had shifted to the lightweight division, leaving the featherweight title open.
Lopes, the third-ranked challenger, faced Volkanovski for the first time, marking his first title fight. The bout ended Lopes’s winning streak of five matches.
Volkanovski’s recent record included three losses in four fights, making this a significant comeback. His extended layoff following a defeat in February 2024 and overall rest from the demanding fight pace may have contributed to his victory.
Paddy Pimblett advanced in the lightweight division by achieving a technical knockout against Michael Chandler in the co-main event, expressing his aspirations for the world title. Chandler, with a record of 23-10, faces a critical juncture after winning only two of his last seven fights.
Bryce Mitchell, who previously sparked controversy with comments endorsing Adolf Hitler, faced Jean Silva in a featherweight matchup. Silva secured victory via submission with a guillotine choke in the second round.
