Watch the video highlights from the exciting main event at UFC 314, where Alexander Volkanovski faced off against Diego Lopes.
The fight took place on April 12th at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. Alexander Volkanovski, with a record of 26 wins and 4 losses, battled Diego Lopes, who has a record of 26 wins and 6 losses.
Official Result: Alexander Volkanovski won against Diego Lopes by Unanimous Decision (scores: 48-47, 49-46, 49-46).
Catch the video highlights below to see the best moments from each round.
Round 1
Marc Goddard was the referee for this main event.
Volkanovski appeared quick and in excellent shape, starting aggressively with leg kicks. They exchanged strikes, with Volkanovski landing a strong left hand, but Lopes responded with a solid right. Lopes then landed body shots as Volkanovski moved in.
Volkanovski initiated another exchange and landed a right hand on Lopes. He maintained distance effectively. Volkanovski moved in again and hurt Lopes with a left hand, showing championship-level performance.
Volkanovski attempted a takedown, pushing Lopes against the fence. He landed a knee as Lopes tried to stand up, displaying a dominant effort. On the ground, Volkanovski landed punches.
This was a strong round for Volkanovski.
The round was scored 10-9 for Volkanovski.
Round 2
Lopes started aggressively but seemed hesitant to fully engage. Volkanovski controlled the pace, even while moving back.
Volkanovski landed a double jab and a leg kick. Lopes countered with a straight left. Lopes blocked a takedown attempt from Volkanovski. Volkanovski landed inside leg kicks and a right hand. Lopes struggled to deal with Volkanovski`s jab.
Lopes landed two jabs, needing more offense. Volkanovski connected with a powerful right hand, staggering Lopes towards the cage. Volkanovski attempted a takedown, but Lopes defended well and pushed him off.
Volkanovski kicked Lopes`s leg, and Lopes responded with a 1-2 combination but couldn`t follow up. Volkanovski landed a sneaky right. They traded punches. Lopes gestured for Volkanovski to engage more. Volkanovski countered with a left, but Lopes landed a hard right just as the round ended, appearing to be a knockdown. Volkanovski seemed frustrated as he returned to his corner.
The round was scored 10-9 for Lopes. The overall score is even at 19-19.
Round 3
It was to be seen if Volkanovski had recovered after the late knockdown in the previous round.
Volkanovski used his jab effectively, causing Lopes to swing wildly. Lopes seemed eager to turn the fight into a brawl after his knockdown. Lopes landed a jab. Volkanovski attacked the inside of Lopes`s lead leg. Volkanovski`s right hand was quick and snapped Lopes`s head back.
Lopes moved forward, taking damage as Volkanovski retreated strategically. Volkanovski landed a right hand, but Lopes countered. Lopes seemed to be trying to make the fight messy.
Volkanovski maintained active footwork. He landed his right hand as Lopes advanced. Volkanovski countered with another right. Lopes landed a glancing body kick. Volkanovski landed a right hand, followed by a jab. Lopes attempted a quick head kick, but Volkanovski absorbed it.
The round was scored 10-9 for Volkanovski. Overall, Volkanovski led 29-28.
Round 4
Volkanovski displayed fast hands at the start, utilizing his jab effectively. Lopes didn`t do much to close the distance initially. Lopes became more aggressive, but Volkanovski`s counter right slowed him down again.
Lopes advanced with a right uppercut. He continued to avoid takedown attempts, which seemed to be used by Volkanovski to disrupt his rhythm. Lopes was clipped again as he lunged in. A right hand from Lopes hurt Volkanovski, possibly causing a cut above his eye. Lopes pressed forward, but Volkanovski didn`t just retreat, firing back with strikes. The fight became tense!
With 90 seconds remaining, the pace slowed down as both fighters became cautious. Volkanovski landed a right hand. Despite the cut and good moments from Lopes, Volkanovski likely edged out the round.
Replays showed Lopes`s glove just grazed Volkanovski`s eyelid.
The round was scored 10-9 for Volkanovski. Overall, Volkanovski led 39-37.
Round 5
Volkanovski`s counter right hand was effective once again. He seemed to have Lopes figured out, but when Lopes became more aggressive, Volkanovski was sometimes caught. Volkanovski landed a right hand, and Lopes still looked for an answer. Lopes landed a left hand, getting his wish as Volkanovski traded with him, but often to Volkanovski`s advantage. Volkanovski set up his right hand with a 1-2 combination, which Lopes absorbed. Both fighters showed resilience and toughness.
Volkanovski attempted a takedown, but Lopes defended it. Volkanovski landed jabs as Lopes moved forward with two minutes left. Lopes absorbed Volkanovski`s jabs, urging Volkanovski to engage in a brawl. Volkanovski`s fundamental skills proved difficult to overcome.
With one minute remaining, Volkanovski continued to jab. Lopes moved forward, but Volkanovski didn`t take the bait, even with Lopes taunting him. Volkanovski landed one final strong right hand to likely secure the victory.
The round was scored 10-9 for Volkanovski. Overall, Volkanovski won 49-46.
