UFC 314 Results: Pimblett Defeats Chandler & Volkanovski Wins Title

Paddy Pimblett secured the biggest victory of his UFC career, defeating Michael Chandler with a dominant performance. The Liverpool fighter, known as “Paddy The Baddy,” triumphed in the UFC 314 co-main event in Miami, potentially propelling him into the lightweight top 10 and closer to a world title shot.

The event also featured Alexander Volkanovski regaining his featherweight title after defeating Diego Lopes. Volkanovski, who had held the title for nearly four years, reclaimed it after losing to Ilia Topuria.

In another notable fight, Patricio Pitbull, a four-time Bellator world champion, experienced a loss in his UFC debut against Yair Rodriguez of Mexico.

What`s Next for the Featherweight Champion?

Alexander Volkanovski`s victory raises questions about his next opponent. Having been a dominant champion for four years, he has faced many contenders already. With Topuria moving to a higher weight class and Volkanovski holding three wins over Holloway, Movsar Evloev, ranked number four, emerges as a potential challenger, although some fans believe he needs to prove himself further for a title shot. The question remains: Who should Volkanovski fight next?

Paddy Pimblett Reveals His Target List

Following his victory over Michael Chandler, Paddy Pimblett quickly named his desired future opponents: Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje, Charles Oliveira, or Arman Tsarukyan. He is aiming high, targeting the top contenders in the lightweight division.

Diego Lopes`s Post-Fight Thoughts

Diego Lopes expressed honor in sharing the octagon with Alexander Volkanovski and acknowledged Volkanovski`s experience. Despite the loss, Lopes remains optimistic, stating his intention to train harder and return as a champion, emphasizing his relatively short two-year tenure in the UFC.

UFC 314 Full Card Results

UFC 314 in Miami was a night of spectacular finishes, with eight in total, making it a strong contender for the best UFC event of 2025 so far. There were six TKOs and two submissions throughout the card. Here’s a breakdown of the results:

Early Prelims

• Nora Cornolle defeated Hailey Cowan by submission
• Marco Tulio TKO victory over Treson Gore
• Sumudaerji defeated Mitch Raposo by decision
• Michal Oleksiejczuk TKO victory over Sederique Dumas

Prelims

• Julian Erosa TKO victory over Darren Elkins
• Chase Hooper defeated Jim Miller by decision
• Virna Jandiroba defeated Yan Xiaonan by decision
• Dan Ige TKO victory over Sean Woodson

Main Card

• Dominick Reyes TKO victory over Nikita Krylov
• Jean Silva defeated Bryce Mitchell by Submission
• Yair Rodriguez defeated Patricio Pitbull by decision
• Paddy Pimblett TKO victory over Michael Chandler
• Alexander Volkanovski defeated Diego Lopes by decision

Paddy Pimblett on His Performance

Paddy Pimblett spoke to Joe Rogan after his win, explaining that his game plan was executed perfectly, highlighting fight IQ and strategic preparation. He addressed doubters and reiterated his ambition to win the world title and fight top contenders.

Dana White Praises Paddy Pimblett

Dana White was highly impressed with Paddy Pimblett’s performance, noting his continuous improvement and dismissing doubts about his potential. White acknowledged Pimblett`s status as a serious contender ready to face top-ranked fighters.

Dana White on the Main Event

Dana White expressed his satisfaction with Alexander Volkanovski`s victory, praising his and Diego Lopes`s resilience and Volkanovski`s status as one of the greatest fighters, always prepared for tough challenges.

Performance Bonuses Announced

Dana White announced the performance bonuses, with Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes earning Fight of the Night, and Jean Silva and Paddy Pimblett receiving Performance of the Night bonuses. Each fighter received an extra $50,000.

Volkanovski`s Relief and Thoughts

Alexander Volkanovski expressed his relief after reclaiming the featherweight title. He told Joe Rogan about overcoming doubt and adversity after recent losses, emphasizing the significance of the victory against a strong opponent like Diego Lopes.

Volkanovski Reclaims Featherweight Championship

Alexander “The Great” Volkanovski is once again the featherweight champion, securing a unanimous decision victory with scores of 48-47, 49-46, and 49-46. The question now turns to who Volkanovski will face next in his reign as champion.

Volkanovski vs. Lopes – Round by Round Recap

A brief round-by-round summary of the main event fight between Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes:

Round 5

Volkanovski started strong with combinations, landing a right hand to the chin after a low kick. Lopes defended takedown attempts. Volkanovski`s footwork and jabs were effective. Judges` scorecards awaited after a closely contested round.

Round 4

Both fighters exchanged heavy punches. Lopes landed a significant uppercut, causing Volkanovski discomfort, but Volkanovski recovered. Lopes`s strongest round leading into the final round.

Round 3

Lopes responded well, making the fight more intense. Both fighters traded strikes, with Lopes landing an uppercut and Volkanovski a left hook. The fight`s direction remained uncertain heading into the championship rounds.

Round 2

Lopes landed a powerful right hand, dropping Volkanovski. Volkanovski attempted a takedown, which Lopes defended. A round of back-and-forth action, making it difficult to determine the round`s winner.

Round 1

Volkanovski appeared focused and in control, dominating striking and grappling exchanges, resembling his former dominant self. Lopes seemed more tentative early in the fight.

Main Event Time: Volkanovski vs. Lopes

The main event featured Alexander Volkanovski against Diego Lopes for the UFC Featherweight Championship. Volkanovski sought to reclaim his belt after losses to Makhachev and Topuria. Diego Lopes, a rising UFC prospect, entered as a fan favorite after wins over Sodiq Yusuff and Brian Ortega, promising a high-level and unpredictable fight.

Pimblett`s Performance Elevates Him

Paddy Pimblett`s performance was seen as a significant step up, proving doubters wrong and demonstrating his ability to compete with top-level fighters. His well-rounded skills in both striking and grappling were on full display. Speculation immediately began about who he should fight next as he climbs the lightweight ranks.