Is UFC 314 a Turning Point for Alexander Volkanovski?

Alexander Volkanovski’s career hangs in the balance.

This Saturday, Volkanovski returns to action for the first time since his featherweight title loss to Ilia Topuria at UFC 298, facing Diego Lopes in the UFC 314 main event. A surefire Hall of Famer, a win adds to his legacy, while a loss could signify its end.

What’s at stake for Volkanovski and Lopes? And what about the rest of UFC 314? MMA analysts Alexander K. Lee, Damon Martin, and Jed Meshew discuss.

Lee: A Moment of Truth

Yes, for Volkanovski, this is a moment of truth. “Old Man Volk” is a funny moniker, but it acknowledges reality. At 36, with 30 fights against top opponents, his career has taken a toll.

Without the title, what`s next? Lightweight? He`s done well there, but without a championship goal, what`s the purpose?

Another run at 145 is unlikely. This is an opportune moment with Topuria absent and Lopes beatable. A second chance might not arise.

A loss isn`t career death, but Volkanovski has proven himself, and retirement after a loss would be understandable.

Meshew: Make or Break

I rarely say “never,” but here I will. For Volkanovski, it’s make or break, at least for title aspirations.

Volkanovski is a great fighter. But time is catching up. Three losses in four, two by KO. Excuses exist – short notice, different weight, top opponent, future great – but a Lopes loss makes it clear Volk is declining. MMA history shows fighters past their prime rarely return to the top.

But it`s not over. MMA isn`t just titles. Good fights against strong opponents are valuable. A title path may close, but fights with Oliveira, Gaethje, or Poirier remain. If belts are the sole goal, this is crucial. But his career can continue.

A win over Lopes won`t make him the “real” champion while Topuria holds the belt, but it`s a major achievement.

Martin: The Question of Relevance

In a world where Poirier gets title shots after losses, is anyone ever truly out in the UFC?

But for Volkanovski, it`s make or break. Two KOs, 36 (soon 37). Lighter divisions are tough on older fighters. This might be his last title shot.

His legacy is secure as a top featherweight. But losses to Makhachev, Topuria, and potentially Lopes aren`t ideal. A win and second title at his age boosts his GOAT status alongside Aldo and Holloway.

Martin: Relevance for Chandler and Pimblett

Relevance is key, but differently for both.

Chandler has only two UFC wins, one over aging Ferguson. The Hooker KO is great, but Chandler can`t just have exciting losses. Pimblett is maybe top 15. A loss drops Chandler to 2-5 in UFC and away from the elite.

Pimblett can prove elite status. Opinions vary. Green win exists, but Green is inconsistent. A Chandler win is impressive, making Pimblett a threat.

Lee: Title Shot Implications

Saturday`s loser will never fight for a UFC title.

For Chandler and Pimblett, maybe offensive or obvious. Pimblett is underrated. Persona clouds judgment. He`s a good grappler, hits hard, tough to finish.

Chandler is similar. Better striker, weaker chin. Overhyped expectations hurt him. Star image, different results, less popular than rivals (McGregor).

Chandler vs. Pimblett is for survival, relevance, and title shot hopes.

Meshew: The Topuria Lottery

Initially, I thought “title shot,” but Chandler vs. Pimblett is the Topuria lottery.

Lightweight is messy. Makhachev awaits Della Maddalena vs. Muhammad. No clear contender. Tsarukyan missed his chance. Fans want Topuria title shot, but he`s not earned it. Makhachev said, “Beat someone.” Here`s someone!

Pimblett – obvious due to beef, and he could be a contender. UFC owes Chandler for the McGregor situation, so Topuria fight is compensation. For Topuria, a beatable name, a path to his goal. Chandler should call out Topuria, not McGregor.

Meshew: Krylov vs. Reyes Excitement

Silva`s fight is unexciting, UFC promotes a Hitler apologist, which is bad. Though Silva is good. But Krylov vs. Reyes is great!

Reyes is on a win streak after four losses! (Two is a streak). Krylov has three wins but hasn`t fought in two years. Top light heavyweight fight!

But mainly, it`ll be fun. Reyes is back on track, Krylov is always exciting. Two big guys brawling for 15 minutes or less, interesting and fun.

Martin: Silva vs. Mitchell is Key

Many will say Pitbull`s UFC debut, but for me, it`s Silva vs. Mitchell.

Silva – “Fighting Nerd,” non-stop action and KOs. Mitchell believes in flat Earth, seatbelt stupidity, and worse!

Silva`s win boosts popularity, especially a Mitchell finish like Emmett. A Mitchell win means a shocking post-fight interview. High stakes!

Lee: Miller vs. Hooper Under the Radar

I should say Pitbull, but it`s Miller vs. Hooper!

Hooper, at 23 and 3-3 in UFC, maybe should have returned to regionals. Now he has four wins, he`s a UFC fighter. Facing Jim Miller, consistency personified.

“On To the Next One” listeners wanted this. The time is right. Hooper`s level is unclear. Miller`s retirement timing is unknown, and if age will matter. Passing of the torch? Or 10 more fights each in UFC? All possible.

Most importantly, it`ll be fun. Striking or grappling, exchanges will happen. Miller will realize Hooper is young enough to be his son (16-year gap, like Lorelai and Rory Gilmore!).

MMA always surprises.