Brazilian Fighters, Specialists Weigh in on UFC 314 Volkanovski-Lopes Headliner

One of these days, the Brazilian contingent of analysts might pick against their home country fighter. Now is not that day.

A number of current and former Ultimate Fighting Championship and Bellator MMA fighters wanted to make their voices heard on the main attraction of UFC 314. On Saturday, Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes will tangle for the vacant throne, one abandoned by Ilia Topuria after Topuria clobbered both Volkanovski and Max Holloway. The challenger Lopes surged his way to a title shot thanks to stellar performances against names like Sodiq Yusuff, Dan Ige and Brian Ortega along with a close loss to unbeaten Movsar Evloev. The five Brazilians spoke to Sherdog about how they thought the fight would play out, and confidence was fairly high on the Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil, native.

Gilbert Burns, former UFC welterweight title challenger: “I believe Diego can decide that fight with his hands. I got really impressed by what he did with Sodiq, Brian Ortega, Dan Ige. Also, he made his debut in really short notice by doing a war against Evloev. I’m a big fan of Diego, but of course he is facing one of the greatest featherweights of all time. We know what Volk is capable of. But he is coming from two strong knockout losses that may have changed his iron chin, which may be a key point in that fight.”

Fabricio Werdum, former UFC heavyweight champion: “Volkanovski is really tough, explosive, fast and has knockout power besides never being submitted before. No doubt he is one of the best featherweights of all time. But I think Diego is in a better moment. He wants it more. I see that fight as a five-round war, with Diego winning by points.”

Vitor Miranda, former UFC fighter and current UFC Fight Pass commentator: “Diego Lopes has a chaotic style that reminds me of Alexandre Pantoja fighting. Concerning that, I think Volkanovski will use the same tactical game he used against Topuria, to avoid Lopes’ approach. Jab, [movement and feints]. Actually, he was doing a great job against Topuria before getting [caught]. I see Diego with more possibilities to use his longer range to [land] a good sequence on the former champion, using his superior ground skill to get the win. I see that fight very even, but with a slight favoritism to the Brazilian.”

Eduardo Dantas, former Bellator champion and current Combate commentator: “If it were in December 2022, I would have no doubt to point the former champion as [the] favorite, but now he is coming from two knockout losses while the challenger is coming from five straight wins. I think the calf kick will be an important key in that fight. Former champion normally uses a boxer basis which makes it easier for the opponent to attack that. On the other side, Diego uses it very well and the calf kick can help him to open space to throw his cross punch over the left hand of Volkanovski, followed by his heavy straight. I see Lopes’ hunger and [him being in] a better moment [making it more likely he wins] that belt.”

Carlos Barreto, former UFC fighter and current UFC Fight Pass commentator: “Volkanovski is undoubtedly one of the GOATs of featherweight and for all the history he built in the sport, is totally fair that he is being pointed [to as the] favorite, but I see Lopes with tools to beat him. He is longer, very fast [and] he is able to fight from the bottom. On the other hand, Volk has knockout power, is very aggressive and has a great speed. But I don’t see him bringing something new for that fight. I see Diego passing through a better moment.”