LAS VEGAS – Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes will decide a new featherweight champion at UFC 314. Thursday, the pair came face-to-face for the first time since their matchup was announced.
With Ilia Topuria deciding to give up the title and move up to lightweight, former champ Volkanovski (26-4 MMA, 13-3 UFC) will clash with Lopes (26-6 MMA, 5-1 UFC) in the headliner of the April 12 event, which takes place at Kaseya Center in Miami (ESPN+ pay-per-view, ESPN/Disney+, ESPN+).
Volkanovski and Lopes were largely cordial during Friday’s news conference, though the Australian former champion poked fun at the Brazilian’s hair. When it came time to face off, there were more smiles than hard feelings.