UFC 314 results: Matches to make for ‘Volkanovski vs. Lopes’ main card winners

UFC 314 went down last night (Sat., April 12, 2025) inside Kaseya Center in Miami, Fla., which saw Alexander Volkanovski reach the pinnacle of the sport once again, winning the vacant Featherweight title by defeating Diego Lopes via unanimous decision (highlights). In the co-main event, Paddy Pimblett beat the brakes off Michael Chandler, stopping the former Lightweight title contender via third-round technical knockout (TKO).

Winner: Alexander VolkanovskiWho He Should Face Next: Movsar Evloev

Yair Rodriguez said he was promised a shot at the title if he was victorious against Patricio Pitbull, but I don’t see how that even makes sense since “El Pantera” was previously on a two-fight skid prior to taking out the former Bellator champion. Evloev is the rightful owner of the next shot at 145 pounds sine he is undefeated at 19-0, including a perfect 9-0 under the UFC banner with wins over Aljamain Sterling, Arnold Allen and the aforementioned Diego Lopes. Don’t screw this up, UFC.

Winner: Paddy PimblettWho He Should Face Next: Dustin Poirier

I know Poirier says he wants a “legends only” type of fight for his final bout, but I wouldn’t mind seeing him go up against “The Baddy” next. Poirier hasn’t competed since coming up short in his bid to dethrone Islam Makhachev at UFC 302 in June 2024. Currently ranked No. 7, Poirier would be an amazing challenge for Pimblett, who proved last night that he is not avoiding tough fights on his way to to a title shot, which could be one or two more wins away. Defeating Poirier expedites that process. Nate Diaz agrees.

Winner: Yair RodriguezWho He Should Face Next: Diego Lopes

Rodriguez is under the impression he will be getting the next shot at the 145-pound title later this year in Mexico, but I don’t see that happening. While his win over Pitbull was impressive, it was his first victory in three fights, with his last win coming over two years ago. For my money, I wouldn’t mind seeing him face off against Lopes since there is a lot of built-in animosity between them, as evidenced by their scuffle this past week. Lopes just fought for the title and is ranked two spots ahead of “El Pantera.” And, to reiterate, Rodriguez was just coming off a two-fight skid before his win, while Lopes had won five straight before his championship fight loss.

Winner: Jean SilvaWho He Should Face Next: Aljamain Sterling

Silva made easy work of Bryce Mitchell, ultimately defeating him via second-round submission (see it again here). It was a championship-level performance by “Lord,” who is quickly becoming a fan-favorite and legit threat at 145 pounds. A fight against Sterling would be a great challenge for the Brazilian bruiser next because “Funk Master” has championship experience. The former Bantamweight champion of the world is 1-1 since going back to 145 pounds, and was last seen coming up short against No. 4 ranked Movsar Evloev.

Winner: Dominick ReyesWho He Should Face Next: Hill vs. Rountree winner

Reyes is enjoying a career resurrection of sorts, securing his third straight knockout win by icing Nikita Krylov in the very first round (see it again here). Reyes — a former title contender — is definitely on the rise again after losing four straight from 2020 to 2022 and is making a case for another Top 5 ranking. I wouldn’t mind seeing Reyes face off against the winner of the upcoming bout between Jamahal Hill and Khalil Rountree, who are set to headline UFC Baku on June 21, 2025.

For complete UFC 314 results, coverage and highlights click here.