diego lopes

diego lopes

Thumbnail

Image

Movsar Evloev is confident in his prediction for the featherweight title fight at UFC 314.

Alexander Volkanovski (26-4 MMA, 13-3 UFC) takes on Diego Lopes (26-6 MMA, 5-1 UFC) for the vacant 145-pound belt in the April 12 main event at Kaseya Center in Miami.

Volkanovski has been knocked out by Ilia Topuria and UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev in his past two fights. But if he can recover and return to the form which saw him defend his featherweight title five times, Evloev (19-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC) thinks he beats Lopes handily.

“I think if Volkanovski has 50 percent of his prime shape, he can beat this guy easy,” Evloev told Home of Fight. “I’ll be next for him, and we will see.”

Many people think Evloev was snubbed out of the title picture, but despite holding a recent win over Lopes, the undefeated contender isn’t entirely surprised.

“No, but people who are rooting for the sport, they were waiting for me as a contender for the title,” Evloev said. “But now it’s a little bit of a different time because people need more trash (talk), dirty stuff, some finishes. Even if you lose 10 times but you have finishes, you have more of a chance to get a title shot.”

Volkanovski said he’s willing to make a quick turnaround and offer Evloev a title shot if victorious at UFC 314.

“We’ll see what the UFC will say about me or about his next opponent, but I’m ready,” Evloev said. “I’m ready since I beat (Aljamain Sterling) behind you, and I’m still waiting for a fight or fight news, but nothing yet. Nobody is accepting to fight against me.”

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 314.

Be sure to visit the MMA Junkie Instagram page and YouTube channel to discuss this and more content with fans of mixed martial arts.

Sign up for our newsletter to get updates to your inbox, and also receive offers from us, our affiliates and partners. By signing up you agree to our Privacy Policy

Sign up for our newsletter to get updates to your inbox, and also receive offers from us, our affiliates and partners. By signing up you agree to our Privacy Policy

© Copyright MMA Junkie 2025

Powered by WordPress.com VIP

Upcoming Events

Most Popular

ADVERTISEMENT

Related

Before UFC 314, Diego Lopes doesn’t see Alexander Volkanovski past his prime

Aljamain Sterling: Alexander Volkanovski ‘going to whoop that ass’ vs. Diego Lopes

Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes: Odds and what to know ahead of UFC 314 main event

Alexander Volkanovski says Diego Lopes in for a ‘very hard’ fight at UFC 314

Like this article?

ADVERTISEMENT

Want the latest news and insights in MMA?

UFC 313: Pereira vs. Ankalaev updates, results of every fight

Multiple UFC 313 fights canceled due to illnesses hours prior to event – including Curtis Blaydes bout

UFC 313 predictions: How are we picking the Pereira-Ankalaev title fight? (Updated)

UFC 313: Official scorecards from Las Vegas

Photos: UFC 313 ceremonial weigh-ins and final faceoffs

Max Holloway predicts Justin Gaethje vs. Rafael Fiziev at UFC 313: ‘This is easy picking for me’

‘Dana not happy’: Fighters react to Alex Pereira’s title loss to Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313

ADVERTISEMENT

Follow MMAJ!

Sign up for our newsletter to get updates to your inbox, and also receive offers from us, our affiliates and partners. By signing up you agree to our Privacy Policy

See MMAJ stories in your feed

We are the nation’s largest luxury media company offering leading brands access to the most affluent audiences in the most prominent cities across the United States.

Inside Martyn Lawrence Bullard’s Opulent L.A. Home—Cover Star of Modern Luxury Interiors

TRAVEL

STYLE

FOOD

Style

Beauty & Wellness

Interiors

Food & Drink

Travel

Living

The Latest

Receive the best of Modern Luxury in your inbox.

21 Best Luxury Hotels Across The Country

Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort: Reviving Hawaiian Beauty & Honoring Tradition

12 Statement Belts to Instantly Elevate Your Outfit

14 Must-Have Trench Coats That Will Elevate Your Wardrobe

15 Best Spots For Caviar Service In The Country

18 of the Best Vegan Restaurants Across America

Modern Luxury’s Best of Luxury Beauty Awards: The Most Coveted Beauty Products You Need Now

5 Top Private Jet Services Bringing Luxury Air Travel Within Reach

March Cover Star Adria Arjona Shines on the Big Screen and in Moroccanoil’s New Fragrance Campaign

The Most Impressive Wines to Serve Guests This Season, Handpicked by Our Wine & Spirits Editor

Azzedine Alaia, the Couturier Who Shaped Women

Marc Jacobs & Louis Vuitton

Jean-Paul Gaultier By Olivier Rousteing: Different Generation, Same Spirit

Diamonds And Emeralds and Gold, Oh My: The Best Baubles At The 2025 Academy Awards

Selena Gomez, Emma Stone And More Stars Stun At The 2025 Academy Awards

12 Statement Belts to Instantly Elevate Your Outfit

6 Fresh Floral Fragrances to Bloom Into This Spring

Modern Luxury’s Best of Luxury Beauty Awards: The Most Coveted Beauty Products You Need Now

Charlize Theron Reveals Her Self-Care Secrets & Beauty Hacks as the Face of Dior Capture Skincare

Tamara Honey Transforms Her California Home into an Ever-Evolving Haven Inspired by Nature and Collecting

Inside Summer Thornton’s Casa Rosada: Her Dreamy Mexican Escape

Inside Martyn Lawrence Bullard’s Opulent L.A. Home—Cover Star of Modern Luxury Interiors

Only One Bottle Of This Mexican-Flavored Macallan Whisky Will Ever Be Sold, And It’s Up For Auction Now

Moet & Chandon And Pharrell Williams’ Celebratory Champagne Comes With The Gift Of Fine Jewelry

21 Best Brunches Across The Country

7 Carry-On Suitcases for Stress-Free, Stylish Travel

How Jet Linx Is Transforming the Private Aviation Experience

21 Best Luxury Hotels Across The Country

Diamonds And Emeralds and Gold, Oh My: The Best Baubles At The 2025 Academy Awards

Selena Gomez, Emma Stone And More Stars Stun At The 2025 Academy Awards

Here Are The 2025 Academy Award Winners

7 Carry-On Suitcases for Stress-Free, Stylish Travel

Only One Bottle Of This Mexican-Flavored Macallan Whisky Will Ever Be Sold, And It’s Up For Auction Now

6 Fresh Floral Fragrances to Bloom Into This Spring

Tamara Honey Transforms Her California Home into an Ever-Evolving Haven Inspired by Nature and Collecting

Inside Summer Thornton’s Casa Rosada: Her Dreamy Mexican Escape

Inside Martyn Lawrence Bullard’s Opulent L.A. Home—Cover Star of Modern Luxury Interiors

www.sportskeeda.com

Verifying you are human. This may take a few seconds.