What title is up for grabs in the main event of UFC 314? How has Alexander Volkanovski’s career trajectory influenced perceptions of his upcoming fight? What factors contribute to Diego Lopes’ potential to challenge Volkanovski? Who are the key fighters featured in the co-main event of the night? What is the schedule for UFC 314 and how can fans view it?
The vacant featherweight title will be on the line in the main event of UFC 314 this weekend, as Alexander Volkanovski takes on Diego Lopes in Miami. Volkanovski is aiming to become a two-time champion, having not fought since he lost the belt last February, when he fell to a knockout defeat by Ilia Topuria. But with Topuria relinquishing the gold this February, as he prepares to move up to lightweight, a new champion is needed at 145lb. With that, former long-reigning king Volkanovski will face Lopes. Lopes, 30, enters Miami on a five-fight win streak, and the key question is whether the Mexican-Brazilian’s brawling style can test Volkanovski’s chin, which some fans feel has weakened courtesy of KOs by Topuria and Makhachev. Volkanovski is no doubt the tidier fighter, however, and that skillset saw the Australian, 36, record five successful title defenses between 2020 and 2023. In fact, prior to a pair of lightweight losses to Makhachev, he was unbeaten for 10 years. Also on Saturday, in the co-main event, brash Liverpudlian lightweight Paddy Pimblett takes on Michael Chandler, in “Paddy The Baddy”’s biggest test yet. Here’s all you need to know.
When is UFC 314? UFC 314 will take place on Saturday 12 April at the Kaseya Center in Miami. The early prelims will start at 11pm BST (3pm PT / 5pm CT / 6pm ET), with the regular prelims following at 1am BST on Sunday (5pm PT / 7pm CT / 8pm ET on Saturday). The main card is then set for 3am BST on Sunday (7pm PT / 9pm CT / 10pm ET on Saturday).
How can I watch it? The card will air live on TNT Sports in the UK, with the broadcaster’s app and website also streaming the fights. Discovery+ will also air the action in the UK. In the US, ESPN+ will stream the event live, as will the UFC’s Fight Pass.
Odds
Volkanovski – 4/6; Lopes – 6/5
Chandler – 11/8; Pimblett – 4/7
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Fight card (subject to changes)
Main card
Alex Volkanovski vs Diego Lopes (vacant featherweight title)
Michael Chandler vs Paddy Pimblett (lightweight, five rounds)
Yair Rodriguez vs Patricio Pitbull (featherweight)
Bryce Mitchell vs Jean Silva (featherweight)
Nikita Krylov vs Dominick Reyes (light-heavyweight)
Prelims
Dan Ige vs Sean Woodson (featherweight)
Yan Xiaonan vs Virna Jandiroba (women’s strawweight)
Jim Miller vs Chase Hooper (lightweight)
Darren Elkins vs Julian Erosa (featherweight)
Early prelims
Sedriques Dumas vs Michal Oleksiejczuk (middleweight)
Sumudaerji vs Mitch Raposo (flyweight)
Tresean Gore vs Marco Tulio (middleweight)
Nora Cornolle vs Hailey Cowan (women’s bantamweight)
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UFC 314: Volkanovski vs Lopes – Start Time, Full Fight Card, and How to Watch
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) continues to electrify fight fans around the world, and UFC 314 is no exception. Scheduled to take place on a pivotal date in the MMA calendar, this event features an eagerly anticipated featherweight title fight between reigning champion Alexander Volkanovski and rising star Carlos Lopes. As fight night approaches, fans are gearing up for what promises to be an unforgettable evening of high-octane action. In this article, we’ll delve into the event’s start time, the full fight card, and how you can catch the bouts live, both on television and online.
Event Details
Date: Saturday, March 30, 2024
Location: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada
Main Card Start Time: 10 PM ET / 7 PM PT
As always, UFC events are hosted at the T-Mobile Arena, a venue recognized for its vibrant atmosphere and state-of-the-art facilities. It stands as the perfect backdrop for fight fans to witness some of the best athletes in the world compete for glory.
Main Event: Volkanovski vs Lopes
Alexander Volkanovski (26-3) has firmly established himself as one of the elite fighters in the featherweight division. Known for his powerful striking, exceptional grappling skills, and relentless pace, Volkanovski is looking to defend his title for the fifth time. The Australian-born fighter has a rich history in the UFC, boasting victories over a plethora of former champions and top contenders, including Max Holloway and Brian Ortega. His last title defense saw him decisively defeat Arnold Allen, demonstrating his dominance in the division.
On the other hand, Carlos Lopes (17-2) represents a new wave of fighters gunning for the championship. With a relentless fighting style and an impressive 75% finish rate, Lopes has quickly risen through the ranks, earning his title shot after a series of highlight-reel performances. Fans can expect Lopes to bring an aggressive, unorthodox style in his pursuit of UFC gold, making this a matchup that has the potential to be a Fight of the Year contender.
Full Fight Card
The main card for UFC 314 is packed with exciting matchups that promise to thrill fight fans:
- Featherweight Title Fight: Alexander Volkanovski (c) vs. Carlos Lopes
- Welterweight Bout: Kamaru Usman vs. Gilbert Burns
- Women’s Strawweight Championship: Zhang Weili (c) vs. Tatiana Suarez
- Bantamweight Bout: Sean O’Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili
- Light Heavyweight Bout: Magomed Ankalaev vs. Jan Błachowicz
In addition to the main card, the preliminary lineup includes several other thrilling bouts:
- Middleweight Bout: Sean Strickland vs. Dricus Du Plessis
- Lightweight Bout: Rafael Fiziev vs. Paddy Pimblett
- Women’s Flyweight Bout: Jessica Eye vs. Lauren Murphy
- Featherweight Bout: Bryce Mitchell vs. Edson Barboza
With such a diverse and talented roster of fighters, fans are in for a treat, irrespective of the weight class or gender.
How to Watch: TV and Online Streaming Options
UFC 314 will be available to watch through several platforms, making it easier than ever for fans to tune in. Here’s how you can catch all the action:
UFC Fight Pass: The preliminary card will be available on UFC Fight Pass. This subscription-based service offers fans access to live events, exclusive fighters’ interviews, and a vast library of past fights. Signing up for UFC Fight Pass is an excellent way to follow the promotion year-round.
ESPN+: The main card can be purchased through ESPN+, the exclusive streaming partner for UFC events in the United States. You can order the PPV directly through the ESPN app or website. Existing subscribers can easily make the purchase, while new subscribers will need to sign up and can sometimes find promotional rates.
Cable TV Broadcast: If you prefer traditional viewing, UFC 314 will also be available on cable networks that carry Pay-Per-View events. Check local listings for availability and broadcast times in your area.
- International Viewers: For fans outside of the United States, UFC 314 will be broadcast on various local networks and streaming services, depending on the region. Be sure to check local providers for specific details.
Conclusion
As UFC 314 approaches, excitement builds for this electric matchup between Volkanovski and Lopes. With a stacked fight card and multiple options for viewing, fans are sure to enjoy a night filled with exceptional talent, heart-pounding moments, and unforgettable action. Whether you’re watching from a packed arena in Las Vegas or your living room, this event promises to deliver the kind of thrill that only the UFC can provide. Mark your calendars and prepare for an unforgettable night of fights!
UFC 314 features a highly anticipated main event matchup between Alexander Volkanovski and Lopes. This event promises to deliver exciting fights throughout the card. Fans can expect a mix of established veterans and rising stars competing across various weight classes.
For those looking to watch UFC 314, there are multiple options available. The event will be broadcast on popular sports networks and available for streaming online. Be sure to check the local listings for the exact time in your region and any potential pre-fight programming that may air before the main card kicks off.
Expect thrilling matchups and electrifying performances from the fighters as they aim for victory in one of the sport’s premier events. Whether you’re a die-hard MMA fan or a casual viewer, UFC 314 is set to be an unmissable experience.